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PORTER 


SPRINGS 


Lumpkin County, 


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RESIDENT PHYSICIAN Always in Attendanee. 


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Pees University me Sg 
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GATE crey. STONE FII 

CHERRY’S EVAPORATORS, 
LAMBET#’S IMPROVED FL 

GOLD MEDALS AND HIGHEST REMIUMS wherever extv bet 


and pronounced to be the best in the world. McBride & Co.8 ., Atl 
Owners a Agents ' 


McBRIDE & €O’S STOCK OF 


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OCKERY, HOTEL FIXTURES 
the South. 


SHOW CASES, WOOD, TIN, 


Largest i 


ESTADL EE 1866. 


| ATLANTA NURSERIES, 


| COLE & COOK, Gore. Proprietors. 
: | fs : 3 > tas 


' We keep ful line of 


FRUIT!ano NUT TREES, 


Shade and Ornamental, Evye:green and Deciduous Trees, Shrubs, ete. * 
Grapes, Roses, Small Fruits, and every i usual in a 
FIRST-CLASS NURSER 


FINE ROSES A BPECIALTY. 


Drescriptive Catalogue sent free on application to 


GOLE & COOK, 


Atlanta Nuvseries, 
ATLANTA, GA. 


PORTER SPRINGS 


(Lumpkin County, Ga.) 


The Queen of the Mountains ! 


(Altitude 3,000 Feet.) 


Board Per Month (4 Weeks) Only $24.00 


(Terms to Suit the Times.) 


OPEN NINE MONTHS ; CLOSED WINTER MONTHS. 


HACK FARE, from Gainesville, 28 miles, $2.50, 


(Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.) 


BATHS, BILLIARDS AND TEN-PINS EREL, 


(At some Resorts cost More than Board.) 


Daily. Mail. Post Office in Hotel. 


(The owners of the property being Managers of the Hotel, 
will try to please.) 


All inquiries will be promptly and fully answered if addressed by mail 
to either “‘ PROPRIETORS ”’ or “‘ POSTMASTER,”’ Porter Springs, Lump- 
kin County, Ga. 


) 


INDEX TO. A 
TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS. 


Letters to the Methodist Advocate from the Discoverer of the Water, Rey. 
Joseph McKee, M.D., of Dawson county, Ga., giving the cireumstances of 
the Discovery and the names of about twenty-five persons whose cures were 
among the first and were almost miraculous....... ine cade eas sua eeenaeae Rane scckscnbensesesen 


Letter of Rev. G. R. Park, of the North Georgia Conference, to the Dahlonega 
Signal, corroborating the remarkable cures published by Dr. McKee............ 


Editorial of Methodist Advocate, endorsing the Presbyterian Minister, Dr. 


IM GR COs Waconcchntaedusanedeartnantoonmctions sues Aas Meco stsscniecuke va seustonsaacei ws psnuatphdenseasseiteausniaas 
Editorial of Dahlonega Signal, asserting the ** unquestionably great medicinal 
Virtues Of THE Water ie occcscse0...05.0s0-cccngaautnmonsenyenceves) ssacsnesasseeheenenee naman ma easeesl cwssemeons 


Editorial of Gainesville Southron on ‘“Ocu’ar Demonstrations” furnished every 
summer by invalids coming through Gainesville on crutches and returning 
CUETO ous oiseescnpenrneshansne=s noch sripsbusuasa'saansesone Rann nesS cv snesescu dive dec ca sheaananeans bi culnwu na isnwane 

Editorial of Atlanta Daily Constitution on Altitude and ©limate of Porter 


Springs- Ked Speckled Brook Trout—the Switzerland Of AMETICA......0.ccessene 
Editorial of Homeward Star on visit to Porter Springs, the Medicinal Water, 


"i 


invalids who came in extremis exulting in speedy cure, Altitude compared, ~ 


Porter Springs and City of Boston, Mass , on same Isothermal Line... ..........000+ 


Editorial of Brunswick Advertiser-A ppeal, describing trip of Editor Stacy, made 
in five hours, despite dreadful tales ty the irrepressible Gainesville Drum- 
mers about ‘‘bad roads to Porter Springs’’—Methods resorted to for keeping 
persons in Gainesville—Ascent to Bl od Mountain up banks of Chestatee 
River, whose Cascades descend 3,000 feet in going five miles—AlJtitude by 
U. S. Government Authority 4,670 feet, looking down on tour States—Ripe 
Peaches and Snow-capped Mountainsin fall yiew ot each other in June, 1883 


Editorial of Gainesville Southron on Ripe Vegetables and Snow-e+pped Moun- 


tains iinvApril, TST eine ccngccenceneee BEE vindoiisncasnsen chu uanwanssesaateleae Bee. Nes 4 Gvageerer 
Editorial of Spartanburg (S. C.) Herald on the wonderful cures eff; cted...... Fre ay 


Letter from Mrs. D. T. Dunn to Brunswick Advertiser-Appex), exposing Meth- 
ods of Gainesville Drummers causing large party trom Brunswick to despair 
of getting to Porter Springs by their tales of ‘‘bad roads’—Finally venturing 
the trip, found splendid roads, and were charmed with the ride, scenery, etc. 


Letter from Hon. —— Yonge to Pensacola (Fla.) Gazette, giving a frank and 
candid criticism of 'he Climate, Scenery, Water, Amusements, Table Fare, 
Diseases Cured, Crutches Discarded under his own observation, etce., etc. 
Mr. Younge having been for nearly forty years one of the mo-t prominent 
lawyers in Florida, his letter is worthy of nnusual.consideratian....... saueuahyente 


Letter of Co!. W. A. Collins, of Florida, t» Gainesville Southron on wonderful 
cures occurring under his own eyes—The Altitude gives medicinal effect to 
the Air, which, wit). the water, cures wit! in a week invalids scarcely able 
to reach there- Charmed with the place aad its SUrrOUDGIDGS........100seeceescesseeee 


Correspondent, ‘‘A Carolinian,”’ of Charleston (S. C) News and Courier in ecstacy r 


over the wonderful water and its cures, the Clim «te, Scenery, €bC............-2..00 


Letter from Prof. J. H. Chappell to Columbus Enquirer, enrapt by the Seenery, 
Climate, Water, the Transparent Air and Heavenly Couste!Jations—draws 
a striking contrast with life at the crowded fashion»ble Resorts -and gives 
a graphic picture of Indians and Wigwam in Chestatee Swamp ...........2. scene 


Letter of Co!. Josephus Camp to Swainsboro Herald, giving his experience as- 
cending Mountains, visiting Water Falls on the Chestatee River, ete — re- 
dicts the Altitude, Scenery and Healing Waters will make this Resort a 
SUCCESS,.....00c0e Vacsenecn seaceceas “etuseedupheuoe en eassPeReMberiacbesace'ssnsesbemsvesarect shenas See teeaaaeaan sidan 

Letter from “J. W.S.” to Gainesville Eagle on the Fish Ponds and how German 


arp are raised in them; also a minute account of the raisi g of the jamous 
Red Speckled Brook Trout, and how they f ed— \lso Snow-capped Moun- 


~ tains and Ripe Peaches while the writer Was there..............ssceeesseceeseeceeens seocecase 
Letter from James P. Harrison to the Gainesville Southron, giving a detailed 
acecunt of the “ Fish Culture ” at Porter Springs .....:........-2ccdenes -coeencasue suneeeennene 


Letter from Maj. H. Atkinson to the Dawson Journal, July 19h, 1877.......00c0eceere 
Letter from Mr. J. O. Jelks to the Hawkinsville Dispatch, July 19th. 1877............ 
Editorial of the Darien Gaz2tte, May 3d, 1884.......... seancchenacqaseansceceveoe cade obisal iN iininnmmnnN 


16- 


17 


18 
23 


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31 


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82: 
32: 


) kn e eee 


PORTER SPRINGS HOTEL.—1885. 


TERMS. 


Boarp (per day, $2.00 ; per week, $10.00 ;) par MontTH, $24.00. 

The owners of the property, Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Farrow, 
will henceforth reside permanently at Porter Springs and manage 
the Hotel themselves, and having no rents to pay and no man- 
agers or clerks on salaries, will promise as good a table as can be 
expected for the price charged. The culinary department will 
receive such attention from Mrs. Farrow in person as will ensure 
not only a good table for well persons but invalids will be sup- 


plied with such diet as is essential in their cases. 


We have reduced our month rates to $24.00 to suit the times. 

After first month, board is $6.00 per week, fractions of weeks 
$1.00 per day. 

Under no circumstances will we commute board, that is, we 
will not board four persons one week for $24.00 because one per- 
son is boarded four weeks for $24.00. Terms of this kind are ap- 
plied for every summer but invariably declined. We will make 
special rates to large families for the season, where there are: 
children over ten years old. Children under ten years and Ser- 
vants will be charged Half Rates—but should extra accomoda- 
tions be required they will be charged for accordingly. 

The rates are less than are charged at first class boarding 
houses in Cities, to say nothing of Hotels. 

Of course, boarding houses in the little towns can hoard 
people for less, but at such places when the boarder steps out of 
his own room he steps into the strect. If he wishes to get a bath it 
is not to be had in the town—if he wishes to roll ten pins it 
costs him a quarter—if he then finds a billard table in the back 
of some bar-room, his game costs him fifty cents. and throngh 
the day he spends as much money for amusements (furnished 


 freeat Porter Springs) as his board would cost him. If his family 


are with him, they are as much “cooped up” as if in the town 
or city in which they reside. Therefore, come to Porter Springs, 
where the prices are low to suit the times, and where there is 
more to be enjoyed for twenty four dollars per month than can 
be had anywhere else. 

Read the ‘Testimonials of the Press.” 


HACK LINE AND FARE. 


We fully realize that the distance from the railroad is a 
serious drawvack, but henceforth we will be better prepared than 


_ ever before to overcome difficulties incident thereto. With the 


4 


Hotel leased to one person and the Hack Line in the hands of 
another, as heretofore, these difficulties have been aggravated 
rather than obviated. Henceforth the Hotel andthe Hack Line 
will be under the same management, which will cure some of 
the above evils. We will have a hack leaving Gainesville 
every Saturday in the year except during December, January 
and February; during June and September, every Tuesday 
and Saturday; and during July and August every Tuesday, 
Thursday and Saturday. During the height of the season, 
July and August, the hack will go up one day and down the 
next—not running on Sabbath. We will charge for each 
passenger from Gainesville to the Springs $250 and the same 
returning—children under ten years half price. This entitles 
each passenger to fifty pounds of baggage; and for all in ex- 
cess of that weight, we will charge at the rate of one dollar 
per hundred pounds. These are the rates for our own Hack 
Line on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and we ask all our 
patrons to pass up on these days, and to pass down on the alter- 
nate days. We will insure transportation as above, and the bet- 
ter to enable us to work up to this engagement, we ask our pat- 
rons to notify us by mail, when practicable, a few days in advance 
as to the day on which they will need seats. Where our Hack 
is not able to carry all desiring passage our driver will secure 
additional transportation at the same rates. jis 

The young gentleman in charge of the Hack Line is worthy 
of confidence and respect. During the first few years we have 
not been so situated as to enable us to put the Hack Line on a 
proper basis, and our patrons were not in every instance shown 
the consideration due them. Ladies and children traveling 
alone will be duly cared for. 

Where there are three or more passengers there will be no 
difficulty in obtaining Hacks if desired from any of the stables 
in Gainesville at any time for from four to six dollars per day, 
and most comfortable carriages can also be had for the trip on 
reasonable terms. But we will have a comfortable vehicle, and, 
with it and such additional teams as may be called in from time 
to time, we hope to be able to accommodate all passengers com- 
fortably. If our patrons coming up have occasion to use other 
Hacks than ours we advise them not to buy return tickets, for 
the reason that we have in the past had some difficulty in keep- 
ing Hackmen who felt no interest in the Hotel reminded of 
such engagements. And we will give our patrons another piece 
of advice—don’t listen to every Boarding House or Hotel Drum- 
mer who seeks to inform you how bad and how dangerous the roads 
are. Read both the editorials of the Brunswick Advertiser-Ap- 
peal about what he saw of the methods resorted to in Gaines- 
ville to keep persons in that town—you will find them on another 
page. One other point, by way of aiding our patrons in reach- 
ing here—stop in Gainesville at a Hotel that 7s willing for you to 


~ 


9) 


come and will not seek to obstruct you by refusing our driver 
access to your rooms when you wish tosee him, or by refusing 
to give you an early breakfast to get off in the cool of the morn- 


ing. Stop at the Arlington Hotel, on the Public Square, which 


promises to expedite passengers for Porter Springs in every pos-= 
sible way. Our Hack starts from that Hotel. 


- MEDICAL PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS OF THE WATER: 


The Porter Springs water has from the time of its discovery 

in 1868 been considered the best and strongest chalybeate water in 
the State. It is alterative, tonic, eutrophic, diuretic, and some- 
times aperient in its action. It enriches the blood, increases 
the appetite, promotes digestion, gives tone and energy to the 
muscles and nerves, and invigorates the entire organism. 
. The great tonic properties of this water are due in a great 
measure to the large proportion of iron which it contains, and 
which, of all metals, is the most congenial with the organism, 
and produces the most’ beneficial results, especially in diseases 
of anemia or debility. The preparations of iron found in the 
drug stores are pronounced by the highest medical authority to 
be pre eminently tonic. It is, however, a fact now distinctly re- 
cognized by the enlightened medical men of the age, that medi- 
cinal ingredients diffused in mineral waters possess curative 
virtues which do not belong to any artificial preparation. Upon 
this subject Wood and Bache’s U. 8. Dispensatory, the great au- 
thority upon questions of this nature, remarks: ‘A therapeu- 
tical agent may in one form be introduced gradually into the 
current of the circulation, and thus produce important altera- 
tive effects, while in another it may create irritation of the 
stomach without being absorbed, and thus prove mischievous. 
A case in point is furnisled by natural mineral waters, which, 
though generally containing a minute proportion of saline mat- 
ter, often produce remedial effects which cannot be obtained by 
their constitutents given in larger doses.” 

One of the most scientific as well as most successful and 
most prominent physicians of Virginia (Dr. M. H. Houston, late 
physician to Randolph Macon College) in an article for the Vir- 
ginia Medical Journal on mineral water remarked : 

“It may be said, however, of all mineral waters, that an- 
alysis can never reveal the combinations upon which their effi- 
cacy depends; in fact, the very process of analysis may break 
up combinations, formed in the laboratory of nature, which the 
best skill of the chemist can never detect, and which identical 
combinations may impart to them their most valuable proper- 
ties. 

In the light of this opinion, so generally entertained by 
those who possess the highest scientific attainments, and in the 
light of the further fact that all chemists bow in ignorance to 
what they call “catalysis,” it becomes all important for invalids 


6 


/ 


~when selecting a place for health to ascertain the medicinal 
| properties and effects of the water not from some chemist’s cer- 
tificate of analysis but from well authenticated cures. By ref- 
-erence to the “Testimonials of the Press” herewith submitted it 
will be seen that <mple experience in the use of Porter Springs 
water in a vast number of cases has fully established its great 
remedial and curative powers in many of the most serious and 
obstinate diseases that afflict the human race. 

As a remedy in ANEMIA, SCROFULA, NEURALGIA, DYSPEPSIA, 
LIVER DISEASE, MALADIES PECULIAR TO FEMALES, and in general 
for all diseases caused by POVERTY OF THE BLOOD OR DEBILITY OF 
THE NEVOUS SysTEM, the Porter Springs water is unrivaled. In 
all chronic functional diseases of the urinary and sexual organs in both 
sexes, the decided diuretic action of this water and its invigorat- 
ing influence, both upon the general system and the organs im- 
mediately involved, make it a remedy of wnequalled utility and 
power. . 
fi On this subject we refer to the two letters to be found on 
pages 11 and 13, from Rev. Dr. McKee, who discovered this water 
and to the opinion of Dr. Underwood, therein given. 

There are comparatively very few of the vast number who 
annually resort to springs for relief from diseases in which med- 
ical science has proved unavaling, who would not derive great 
benefit from the use of this water at some stage of the treat- 
ment of their maladies. Even in cases of gout, rheumatism, 
and diseases of the abdominal viscera, in which the Ther- 
mal of Sulphur Springs might be indicated to begin treatment 
with, invalids would find it greatly to their advantage, when all 
diseases should be removed from their systems, to strengthen 
themselves and re-establish health upon a firm foundation by 
the use of this great tonic water. 

The following remarks by Dr. J&mes Johnson, of London, 
one of the most eminent medical men of the British empire, 
apply as well to the American as to the German Mineral 
Springs: “ The Saline Springs of Germany are qualified to break 
down and expel the rotten and decayed parts of the constitu- 
tion, but they can seldom build up or repair the vacant places. 
The Chalybeate Springs unite the principles of conservatism and 
reform, and are calculated to preserve the original constitution, 
and to re-form those portions which have been pulled down and 
extruded by waters of the Saline class.” \ 

AS A STRONG AND PURE CHALYBEATE WATER, PoRTER SPRINGS 
HAS NO EQUAL AMONG THE MINERAL SPRINGS, and there are vast 
multitudes now suffering more from debility than any other 
cause, and perhaps classed as incurable invalids, who would be 
rapidly restored to health and happiness by the use of this 
grand remedy of Nature’s own preparation. Invalids whose 
constitutions have been broken down by acute or chronic dis- 
eases, by excessive physical or mental labor, by residence in 


7 


vanhealthy localities, or by irregular habits of life, may confi- 
dently expect to re gain health and strength from this medici- 
nal fountain ; while the beautiful scenery, invigorating climate, 
and ample facilities for pleasant recreation, will be found de- 
lightful accessories to the invigorating properties of the mineral 
water. 

Hence, the opinion of Dr. Johnson, above given, is valuable 
‘to Porter Springs, and should cause all who get partial relief 
‘from Sulphur water in middle and lower Georgia, and in 
Florida, to come to Porter Springs to rebuild their shattered 
constitutions. 


LIFE PROLONGED TWENTY YEARS, 


Sir Henry Hoiuanp, for many years Puysicran to the 
‘Qouren oF EnGranD, and certainly one of the most renowned of 
all the British Doctors, said in his work, “The Recollections of 
-a Past Life,” (published when he was eighty-three years old,) 
that he had made it a rule of his life toespend two months of 
every year away from his place of business—away from the at- 
mosphere in which he lived--away from the cares and struggles 
-of 1ife ; and gave it as his opinion, based on the observations of 
his life long practice of medicine, that such a course, if gener- 
-ally adopted would, on an average, prolong the human life twenty 
years. Persons wishing to “PRoLonG”’ should spend their vaca- 
_tion in an atmosphere as different as possible from that in 
which they live. Atmosphere is controlled by altitude—there- 
fore, change from the Malarial belt to Porter Springs. 


ALTITUDE OF PORTER SPRINGS, 3000 FEET! 


The wild and beautiful Cove in which Porter Springs is 
located is more elevated than the top of Lookout Mountain in 
Tennessee, the White Sulphur Springs in Virginia, or the 
Warm Springs in North Carolina—and three times as elevated 
as Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska, or St. Paul, Min- 
nesota.—See StaTistican ATLAS, published by authority of the 
-Government—the HicguEst Scientiric AUTHORITY in AMERICA. 


OZONE BATHS—ONE MILE HIGH! 


By reading the ‘Testimonials of the Press” you will see 
how universally the “cnvigorating atmosphere” is commented on 
by writers, but you will find no solution of the cause. It is the 
“Ozone, (Oxigen ina highly electro negative state) of the atmosphere 
that produces this effect. Ozonz and Mauarta are hostile and 
do not and cannot exist together, the former existing only by 
virtue of altitude. It is Ozone that makes the air in the Higher 
Mountains so exhilaratifig that invalids are enabled by its 
stimulating properties to climb the heights with an ease aston- 
ishing to themselves and their friends at home. 


8 


The Chemical Composition of the air on the Heights. 
around Porter Springs is materially different from that of lower 
Georgia by reason of its electro-negative condition evolving Ozone. 
Stone Pitre Pavition in front of Hotel, four hundred feet more 
elevated, and OzoNE CLIFF in rear of Hotel, at the gable end of 
Cedar Mountain, with a perpendicular wall of one thousand feet 
are favorable points for inhaling Ozone—or, as the term now 
goes, taking “Ozone Baths,” (remember these baths are free). 
As to the altitude and climate of Porter Springs, we refer to- 
“STaTisTicaL ATLAS,” published by authority of the U. S. Goy- 
ERNMENT, and prepared by highest Scientific Authority in. 
America. 


SABBATH DAY—RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 


While it is our wish to afford every possible amusement. 
during the week we try to “remember the Sabbath.” By the- 
liberal contributions of the guests, supplemented by our own 
feeble efforts, quite a nice little Church has been built in front. 
of the Hotel, on the prémises, on a lot donated by the original 
owner of the property immediately after the discovery of the 
Springs; and, in compliment to the originators of the scheme, . 
who were Methodists, it was established a Methodist Church 
and Dedicated accordingly ; but is practically Union, and open to- 
all. The circuit is a Mission Circuit and the minister on the Mis- 
sion supplies us only once a month, but we usually succeed in. 
having services every Sabbath in the summer. Those attend- - 
ing church are afforded opportunity to contribute for the benefit . 
of the Preacher in charge, and all contributions are paid over to 
him when he comes round. The Religious Services on Sabbath 
do not in any way disturb those not interested therein and as. 
much may be said of the Amusements of the Week. 


WILD INDIAN WIGWAM ON CHESTATEE. 


These springs were used by the Cherokee Indians, as tradi- 
tion gives it, and the cures effected by the water caused them to: 
hold it in sacred reverance as medicine water, and even now there 
are a few straggling Indians who come over from the Cherokee 
reservation, in North Carolina, about one hundred miles distant, 
to drink the water, and while here make and sell baskets. 

These Indians have their Camp two or three miles distant. 
on the banks of the Chestatee, and for a description of the In- — 
dians, the Wigwam, etc., etc., we refer to a letter on page 18,. 
from Prof. Chappell, of Columbus, Ga., published in the En- 
quirer. 


TRAHLEETAH—THE QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS. 


“Stone-pile Gap,” a gorge in the mountain, where the pub-- 
lic road crosses, only a few hundred yards above the springs, 
took its name from the Indian mound immediately in the gap, 


9 


érected over the grave of Trahleetah, the daughter of one Indian 
Chieftain, and the captive wife of another. 

There is a beautiful Indian legend about Trahleetah’s cap- 
ture at the springs, her life with her captor, her death and her 
burial at Stone-pileGap. And even to this day the passing Chero- 
kee stops and with religious solemnity depositsa stone upon her 
grave, though it bears unmistakeable evidence of having been 
desecrated by the Christian pale faces. 


AMUSEMENTS, ETC. 


TEN-PIN ALLEY—BILLIARD TABLES—BATH ROOMS—PAVILIONS— 
PLEASURE DRIVES—ETC.,, ETC. : 


Not only are the advantages at Porter Springs unequaled - 
as to water, climate and scenery, but, also, in point of amusements 
there is nothing in the State to equal it. There is a good ten- 
pin alley, two good billiard tables, twelve bath rooms, (and 
those for ladies are provided with nice dressing rooms). There 
are also pavilions, croquet grounds, etc. .Also a fine piano in 
ladies’ parlor. Everything will be done to make children happy— 
and men and women are but grown up children. 

All these facilities for amusement are free to guests, and 
open to no others on any terms. It is expected that guests 
playing billiards will keep their own games; those rolling ten- 
pins, will put up their own pins; and bathers will furnish 
their own towels and soap. We have found that most persons 
prefer to use their own soap, bath towels, and sponges, and a 
good stock of these will be kept at the store, for sale to guests. 
While baths are thus free to all, yet invalids who need the aid 
of a servant, and any who desire such service, with soap, tow- 
els, sponges, etc., can be supplied and attended by servants, ata 
single bath for twenty-five cents, or eight for a dollar, (in ad- 
vance). : 

PROMENADES AND DRIVES. 


For those fond of promenading, or of taking extended 
walks, there are pavilions erected at eligible points, for rest- 
ing and gazing upon the beautiful scenery around, and in which 
to seek shelter from sudden showers. 

For those who desire pleasure rides, there will be convey- 
_ ances always at hand, at reasonable prices. There are several 

beautiful drives up the mountains, and along their crests, which 
have been graded, at heavy expense, for pleasure riding. See 
what the editor of the Brunswick Advertiser- Appeal says of the 
ride up the Chestatee River to Blood Mountain, on another page. 


STONE PILE MOUNTAIN—TOP PAVILION 


Is in full view from the Hotel and is half a mile distant, ‘‘as 

the crow flies,’ or one mile by the road. Few guests fail to 

visit this pavilion, and none should fail. The graphic pen of 
2 


10 
Prof. Chappell, of Columbus, Ga., having paid its respects to 


Stone Pile, under the inspiration of the Scenery, we content 
ourselves with referring the reader to his letter on page 18. 


Do read it! 
HUNTING AND FISHING 


Is close at hand, for those who are willing to encounter the 
steeps of the mountains. The mountain streams abound in de- 
licious red speckled brook trout, socommon in New England, 
but streams are so precipitous, and banks so hemmed in with 
laurel and ivy, that ladies cannot well indulge in the sport of 
catching mountain trout. 

Immediately around the Springs there are squirrels, par- 
tridges, pheasants, etc., and a few turkeys and deer. i 

Parties for hunting and fishing can be fitted up at any time, 
to go on acamp hunt into an elevated table land on top of the 
Blue Ridge, with an altitude of about 4,000 feet, commencing 
four miles from the Springs, and embracing a country ten or 
twelve miles long, and six or eight wide, called “Canada,” where 
they will find fishing and hunting finer than at any other point 
in the mountains of Georgia. This table land is on top of the 
Blue Ridge, and is the Switzerland of America. They can there 
catch as fine red speckled brook trout as are found in New Eng- 
land. 

An interesting editorial from the Atlanta Constitution on 
the Red Speckled Brook Trout and Porter Springs climate will 
be found on page 18. The road to this fishing country is in 
part the same as to Blood Mountain so well described by the edi- 
tor of the Brunswick Advertiser-Appeal on another page, which 
will be found interesting. 


PORTER SPRINGS FISH POND. 


We hope within a year or two more to bring our Fish Ponds 
up to the full requirements of the Hotel. We have as yet not 
been able to furnish the table except occasionally with carp and 
have a few times permitted our guests to indulge in the sport of 
catching five and ten pound German Carp in the Ponds, but this 
is only indulged in as yet occasionally. Asa table fish the uni- 
versal verdict of our guests last summer was that it is very fine. 
See Testimonials of the Press on Carp and Trout. 


JERSEY HERD. rae 

Finding it impossible to obtain a supply of pure milk for the 
table in any other way we resorted to the JeERsEY and now have 
a herd of our own on the premises yielding a supply. We have 
paid to the farmers in the neighborhood as much as five hundred 
dollars per season for milk and it does seem that they could bring 
us pure milk for the prices paid, but some of them did not. Now, 
with our own Jerseys, we promise our guests pure and rich 
milk. : 


A 


TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS. 


Letter from Rey. JosEPH MCKEE, M.D., Presbyterian minister, of Dawson Co., Ga., 
to the Methodist Advocate, September, 1870. Copied into the Mountain Signal, 
September 30, 1870. ¢ 
[Knowing our correspondent, Rev. J. McKee, to be reliable, we publish over his 

ionature the following remarkable statements. We have belore heard wonderful 
ounts of these healing waters.—iD. ADVOCATE, 

. Ep. Apvocare—Two years ago, while traveling in Lumpkin county, I 
discovered a chalybeate spring on the plantation of B.S. Porter, that I 
then supposed to be the richest mineral water that I had ever seen. Not 
then haying time to spare, I returned aftewards and spent several days e&- 
amining and analyzing it in my own way, and finally came to the conclu- 
sien that I was correct in my former opinion. When I became fully satis- 
fied respecting the medical qualities of the water, I made a full report to 
the owner, Mr. Porter, and to others around the neighborhood. These 
springs—called Porter Springs—are located at the foot of a spur of Cedar 
Mountain, seven miles north of Dahlonega, in a direct line. My friend, 
Rey. Wm, Tate, a Baptist minister—who accompanied me a part of the 
time I spent in testing the water—having cleared away, to the depth of 
three feet, all the mud and trash that had accumulated in the Spring, came 
to a wall of thin rocks around it, that had been set there by hand, which 
would seem to indicate that the Spring had been used for medical or other 
purposes probably thousands of years ago. This water issues clear as 
crystal, in sufficient quantity, winter and summer, to supply the demands 
of one thousand people. The water appears to be invested with extraor- 
dinary powers by the beneficent Creator, adapted to ameliorate and heal 
nearly all the diseases incident to mankind, especially chronic maladies, 
which defy the skill of the physicians. As Ido not want any one to think 
that I am more learned than I really am, I will not use medical or techni- 
cal terms, or say anything about the elementary principles contained in 
the water, as developed by the process of analyzation, but simply state 
facts Asa tree is known by its fruits, the Spring will be known by the 
effects it has produced, some of which are the following: 

G. B. Forbes was afflicted with dyspepsia and rheumatic pains for four 
years, to such a degree that he was reduced to a mere skeleton, and was 
hardly able to move about on crutches. By using the water he was per- 
fectly cured. He is now attending to his worldly business, enjoying as 
good health as any man of his age. 

Lemuel Robinson had a sore leg for seven years. Every remedy he 
applied seemed only to aggravate the disease. During the last three years 
he was hardly able to move about, and not able to do one day’s work. By 
the use of the water he was perfectly cured in a few weeks. 

R. MeDonand was afilicted with a disease of the spinal marrow and 
affection of the kidneys, to such a degree that for three years he had not 
been able to do one days work on his farm. By using the Spring he was 
perfectly cured, and now enjoys good health. 

J. Mahaffy, of Fannin county, was covered with the leprosy, which had 


been of long standing, and which defied the skill of the physicians. By 


about three weeks use of the water he was perfectly cured, and his strength 
returned and his skin became as natural as a child’s. 

Rey. Wm. Tate, by exposure to cold, lost the power of his left side, 
arm aid’leg. He suffered under this affliction for six years, which in- 
creased in malignity to such a degree that he was hardly able to go about 
on crutches. Eight days’ use of the water effected a complete cure—him:- 
self being judge in the case, 


12 


Mrs. Sarah Tate suffered thirty-three years under a disease that caused 
an excrutiating pain in her left side and breast. During her affliction she 
called in the aid of eleven physicisns, none of whom could afford the least 
relief. Rey. Mr Tate, her husband, carried water to her from the Spring, ~ 
three miles, three times a week, by the drinking of which she was ¢ a 
and is now a healthy woman. 

Mrs. Lydia Stover, of White county, was so afflicted with rheumatic 
pains that she could not walk across the floor of her house, nor reach her 
hand to her head. This water cured her. . @ 

T. Jackson suffered great affliction for eight years from rheumatism.: 
He could go about only on crutches, and then very imperfectly. Aftey 
the water three weeks, he threw his crutches away, and is now perfectly 
well. 2 
Wn. M. Patton, Justice of the Peace in Lumpkin county, was so afflict- 
ed,with dyspepsia for four years that he was almost reduced to a skeleton, 
and scarcely able to move about. By using the water he was perfectly 
cured, and now resides one mile from the Springs, a stout, healthy man. — 

Thomas Lynn, of Fannin county, was afflicted twelve years with piles 
of the most obstinate description. Three weeks’ use of the water subdued 
and totally removed the disease. 

Nathan Wilkins, living near the Springs, was afflicted for the last 
twenty years with dropsy, which was so obstinate that no physician he 
called in could cure him. The use of the water of Porter Springs accom- 
plished a complete cure. 

Albert Mullinax, of White county, was afflicted many years with drop- 
sy. Perhaps it was one of the most frightful cases ever seen by man. His 
legs, abdomen, breast, neck and face were swollen to an enormous degree. 
He must have measured at least ten feet in circumference around the waist. 
He came to Porter Springs, and continued the use of the water four weeks. 
The swelling subsided, little by little, till at last every symptom of the dis- 
ease disappeared. His strength returned ; he assumed as handsome a form, 
proportion and appearance as any man in the county. Before he left the 
Spring he could leap, run, wrestle, carry a burden, or perform any exercise 
that any ordinary man could. The coat that he wore when he came to the 
Spring would button around both him and his brother at once when he 
left. He was transported with joy when he left the Spring. 


Matthew McDonald was afflicted with a dreadful headache for seven 
or eight years past, supposed to have grown out of a deranged state of the 
stomach and liver. He says he has been so perfectly cured by drinking 
the water that he has not had the slightest vestige of a headache for the 
last six months. . 

Daniel Fowler, Ordinary for Dawson county, was twelve years afflicted 
with a disease of the kidneys. No physician or remedy employed by him 
did anything in the way of removing, but rather aggravated the disease. 
Sometimes the pain was so great, and his bodily strength so exhausted, 
that he was not able to walk without his crutches. He went to Porter 
Springs last year, and used the water, which so effectually removed the 
disease that he felt no more pain from that quarter. 

Mrs. James Bennett, of Dawson county, has been afflicted with leucor- 
rheea (whites) eighteen years. During that time she called in the aid of 
seven or eight physicians, at great expense, none of whom did anything 
except to aggravate the malignity of the disease She had a barrel of 
water hauled from the Spring to her house, and she declared to me that 
she received more benefit from that water than from all the other remedies 
and doctors for the last eighteen years. 

Thomas Clarke, a young man, was so afflicted with a disease of the 
spinal marrow that he could not walk without crutches. Then his steps 
were about sixinches ling. His father, being a wealthy man, called in the 
most eminent physicians he could hear of, who charged him large sums of 


18 


money for their prescriptions—and all to no effect, except to increase the 
disease. He came to the Spring on crutches. The first effect of the water 


- was to produce a row of running sores along the whole length of the back- 


bone. These sores immediately healed up; his natural strength returned. 
He threw“away his crutches, and before he left the Spring he could run, 
jump, wrestle or carry a burden as well as any person of his age, weight 
and size. 

Wm. A. McCoy, of Franklin, Macon county, N. C., was six years af- 
flicted with a sore legg which grew out of a severe attack of typhus fever. 
The sore was about fifteen inches long and eight inches broad, black as a 
polished boot, with several running sores. The water healed all the run- 
ning sores, removed the blackness, and brought the skin to its natural 
color, and in fact effected a complete cure, I saw the leg, and have the 
statement from the man’s own mouth. ” 

James McCoy, from the same place, and a brother of W. A., was eight 
years afflicted with the effects of milk sickness. His body and limbs were 
covered with swellings and running sores. His strength was so reduced 
that he could hardly move on crutches. The use of the water, by drinking 
and by external application, removed all the swelling, healed all the run- 
ning sores, and restored him to health and strength. He threw his crutches 
away, and before he left the Spring he could run, leap or carry a burden 
as well as any other man of his weight and size. I saw him pick up a barrel 
of flour on his shoulders, and walk off with it as if nothing had ever been 
wrong with him. I received from his own mouth what I have just related. 

Tf any one should doubt the truth of what I have related concerning 
the two brothers, he can drop a line to one of them in Franklin, N. C. 

Tf what I have stated above is not sufficient to prove to entire satisfac- 
tion that the water of these Springs has extraordinary medicinal virtues, I 
can produce about seventy-five other instances of cures that have been 
performed, principally ladies. It appears to me that the water will either 
mitigate or entirely cure almost all the diseases peculiar to women. I have 
not heard of a single case of an invalid attending the Spring who was not 
improved or entirely cured. I write for the benefit of the afflicted, and not 
for speculating purposes. I live in Dawson county, and not in Lumpkin. 
I do not own the Springs ; I have no pecuninary interest in them. 

JOSEPH McKEE. 


Second letter from Dr. MCKEE to the Mountain Signal (Dahlonega), June 8, 1872. 


Mer. Epitor—Believing that every discovery that may be useiul to the 
cheicpmanty ought to be made public, I send you a few additional particu- 
lars concerning Porter Springs, in Lumpkin county, Ga. Though every 
particular in my former communication concerning the cure of disease is 
strictly and literally true, some criticisms have been made on the account 
given of Albert Mullinax, who was cured of dropsy. I stated that he 


. measured about ten feet around the waist. If this measure is incredible, per- 


haps his weight may not be. I now say that, when he came to the Springs, 
he weighed 400 pounds, and when he left he weighed only one hundred and 


forty pounds, the use of the Springs having dislodged 260 pounds of water, 


effecting a complete cure. Of this there are many eye-witnesses, among 


-whom are Rev. Wm. Tate and Dr. Howard, of Dahlonega. 


Osborn Adams, of Gordon county, some three years ago, had an attack 
of typhoid fever, which left behind it a train of diseases, including dropsy , 
dyspepsia, diarrhcea, disease of the kidneys, and general debility, which 
reduced him to a mere skeleton. He employed three physicians at an ex- 
pense of $200, who, after other experiments in the healing art, compelled 
him to take enormous doses of calomel within the space of twenty-eight 
days. This treatment, as might be expected, brought him to the verge of 
the grave. When the last vestige of hope of his recovery was about to ex- 
pire, Mr, Adams resolved to visit Porter Springs. He was so weak at this 


14 


time that he could scarcely walk thirty yards, and had to be lifted into a 
wagon. Ten days’ use of the Spring removed every symptom of disease, 
so that he went home perfectly cured, and resumed his work in a saddler’s © 
shop, as if nothing had ever been wrong with him. b 

Mr. W. Jarrett, of Gordon county, suffered from liver’ complaint and 
general debility, more or less, for over thirty years. During this time he 
called in the aid of twelve physicians ata large expense, whose services — 
only tended to exasperate the malignity of the disease. Mr. Jarrett, find- 
ing his bodily strength constantly declining, resolved to visit the Springs. 
He did so, and ten days’ use of the water, he says, did more to restore him 
than the twelve physicians in thirty years. When he was about to start 
for home he told me he was perfectly cured. : 

Joseph Underwood, ppstmaster at Orange, Cherokee county, Ga., who 
has been a practicing physician thirty years, told me a few months ago, that 
he suffered terribly for the last fifteen years under chronic inflammation of 
the liver, with extreme costiveness. He visited the Springs and made a 
liberal use of the water for about two months, which removed the last ves-. 
tige of his disease. When leaving the Springs he told me he never had 
better health. Dr. Underwood being a christian, and of a benevolent dis- 
position, intimated to me that he wished the facts of his case to be made 
known for the benefit of the public. 

Truman K. Smith, of Walton county, was for a long time afflicted with 
a disease of the kidneys, and inflammation of the bladder, and stricture. 
He called in the aid of three doctors, whose services afforded no relief 
whatever. Four weeks’ use of the Spring, however, removed eyery symp- 
tom of the diseases. 

David T. Holloway, of Walton county, was afflicted for the last two 
years with a disease of the liver, of the kidneys, and with piles. During 
this time he employed three doctors, whose services only exasperated the 
diseases. By a liberal use of the water (three gallons a day according to 
his own account) for four weeks, all the bad symptoms disappeared. en 
he was about to start home he told me he was perfectly cured. 


A. W. Bagby, of Cherokee’county, was afflicted with a disease of the 
kidneys, as to render him unfit for his worldly business. He employed 
several physicians, under whose treatment he grew worse. He came to 
Porter Springs, and by a liberal use of the water he was perfectly cured. 
I received this information from his own mouth a few days before he left 
the Springs. 

The water of the Spring, after a few days’ use, becomes so palatable 
and pleasant that one dislikes to drink any other. It may be taken in 
large quantities without producing the least uneasiness or inconyenience. 
The quantity drank per day by invalids varies from two quarts to three 
gallons. Itis powerfully exhilarating, and has a tendency to remove gloomy 
and melancholy dispositions. This it does by correcting the viscid state of 
the blood, which is the cause of these dismal affections of the mind. Dr. 
Underwood, Jr.,; on perceiving that it possessed this quality in a high de- 
gree, expressed the opinion to me that it was intoxicating. After a short 
discussion on the subject, however, I convinced him that, though it was 
highly exhilarating,.it did not produce, no matter in what quantity taken, 
any of the deleterious effects of ardent spirits. 

It is both a tonic and a diuretic, acting powerfully on the liver and 
kidneys, and perhaps it is the best cure yet discovered for seminal weakness 
of every aescription in both sexes. Dr. Underwood says there is nothing yet 
discovered equal to it for cwring all the diseases peculiar to women. ae it 
does not cure all the diseases above alluded to, it is because sufficient 
quantity is not taken, and there is not the least danger to be apprehended 
from drinking too much of it. } JOSEPH McKEE, 


The cures effected at Porter Springs each and every summer are as re- 


15 


markable as those enumerated in these letters. The chemical anyalysis 
made at the Springs, by Rev. Joseph McKee, M.D., at the time of his dis- 
covery of them, and his predictions then made as to the value of the water, 
have been abundantly sustained by well authenticated cures every summer, 
from their discovery up to the present time. See the editorial of the Gaines- 
ville Southron, eight years after these letters by Rev. Dr. McKee below. 


S0@- Read the above and hand it to your invalid neighbor. 


Letter from G. R. PARK, Methodist minister, to the Mountain Signal (Dahlonega), 
June 8, 1872. 

Mr. Enitor—About three years ago there was discovered, some ten 
miles north of Dahlonega, Lumpkin county, Ga., a spring of most remark- 
able curative properties. That it has not attained greater notoriety is 
owing to the fact that itis the property of orphan children. So, mindful 
of the injunction ‘‘ To do good, and to communicate, forget not,’’ I desire 
to direct the attention of the diseased to this promising refuge for health. 

Many persons, variously diseased, have resorted to the waters of this 
Spring since its discovery'in 1868, and have been permanently cured. I 
have learned facts with reference to its sanitary virtues so authentic as to 
convince me that no spring ever before discovered has wrought so many 
marvelous cures within so short a time. 

Brother Quillian, my predecessor in this circuit, has a brother who 
was distressingly afflicted with dyspepsia, so much so that he was reduced 
to a mere skeleton. He visited this Spring, and using its waters for six 
weeks, was entirely cured. During his stay he gained one pound a day 
until his weight ran up to one hundred and fifty pounds. Subsequently to 
leaving he gained ten pounds more. He says his “‘ flesh became as the 
flesh of a child,’’ and he continues to enjoy excellent health. 

A young man sorely afflicted with rheumatism, went to this Spring on 
crutches. In about three weeks his disease seemed to be eradicated from 
his system, and he could run, leap and lift equally well with men in health. 

Another, diseased by spinal disease, after three or four weeks’ use of 
this wonderful water, was enabled to discard his crutches, and was as act- 
ive as any ordinary sound man. 

Still another, enormously swollen with dropsy, was speedily reduced 
to his proper dimensions by the use of this water. 

These instances, among many others, have been reported to me upon 
such reliable authority as to place their credibility beyond all question. 
Brother Dodge, presiding elder of the Dahlonega District, told me of an old 
man who had a malignant sore on his foot, of several years’ standing, upon 
which physicians had exhausted their skill to no purpose, who was speed- 
ily cured by the use of this water. Brother D. recommends the Springs 
highly, and gives it as his opinion that the only reason why so many go 
away not thoroughly cured is that they presume upon the wonderful im- 
provement they experience in a little while, and leaye too soon. 

I have not the slightest interest in this property, and in calling atten- 
tion to what I regard as this ‘‘ Wonderful Spring,’’ I have been impelled 
solely by the hope that I might be the means of doing the afflicted good. 

Washington, Wilkes Co.,, Ga. ‘ G. R. PARK. 


Editorial of the Gainesville Southron, May 7th, 1878. 

There has never been a grander scene in any country on earth than we 
beheld on Saturday, the 14th day of April last year. Here around Gainesville 
vegetation was well advanced, and under a bright and burning sun every- 
‘thing looked as in mid summer, while to the north the Blue Ridge moun- 
tains loomed up in full view for fifty miles to the right and left of Porter 
Springs, covered with one unbroken sheet of snow. These same moun- 
tains were snow-clad twice last,month, and there was a slight frost at Por- 
ter Springs only a week ago—May Ist. 


18 


The climate at Porter Springs (the altitude of that point being about 
3,000 feet above sea level) and the mountain scenery would of themselves 
make it a popular summer resort; but its chief feature is its remarkable 
mineral water. Hundreds of astonishing cures have been made by that 
water which are almost incredible, except to those who have been eye wit- 
nesses. Here, in Gainesville, we see the invalids as they go there, and we 
see the same people return in a few weeks perfectly cured, which affords us 
an ocular demonstration which there is no mistaking. 

Two summers ago, about the lst of July, we saw at the Piedmont, en 
route for Porter Springs, a gentleman and his family from New Orleans. 
The gentleman was named Brown. He.was dreadfully afflicted with dropsy, 
and ueighed over three hundred pounds. He and his family spent the sum- 
mer at Porter Springs, and returned about the 1st of October on their way 
home, a happy tamily. He was perfectly cured, and weighed only about one 


hundred and seventy-five pounds—having lost nearly ene hundred and fifty ; 


pounds in weight. And duringthe same summer a young man named Powe 

(then connected with the house of Williams & Co., of Atlanta), passed 
through here going to Porter Springs, so badly drawn up with rheumatism 
that it was very difficult for him to walk, and yet that man returned within 
two weeks perfectly cured, and walking as well as any man. And last sum- 


mer a Miss Mills, of Galveston, Texas, passed through going to Porter ~ 


Springs. She was suffering with rheumatism, and could-not walk even with 
crutches, and after a few weeks she returned able to walk as any one, and 
had entirely discarded her crutches. There was a remarkable case of rhet- 
matism (sciatica), from Appleton, 8. C., which caused considerable com- 
ment. The gentleman’s name was I. M. Walker, a merchant at Appleton, 
S. C., and he had been bed-ridden for months, and the doctors could do 
nothing for him. He could scarcely walk with the aid of crutches, and had 
to be lifted in and out of the hack. He returnd from Porter Springs in about 
six weeks perfectly cured, had thrown away his crutches, had gained about 
thirty-five pounds in weight, and was an erect, sprightly, fine-looking man, 
standing about six feet full. He was about thirty or thirty-five years old, 
and on his return seemed happy—went home and married!. There are a 
large number of such cases every summer, and these are ocular demon- 
strations of the value of the water which leave no room to doubt. It is 


; 


7 


this curative property of the water, coupled with the climate and scenery, — 


that has given these Springs such wide reputation. ; 


Letter from Hon. — Yonge, of Pensacola, a leading lawyer of Florida, to the Pen- 
sacola Gazette, September 6th, 1877. 


Porter Springs, Ga., Aug. 31st, 1877. 

Mr. J. W. Dorr—Dear Str: As your readers may like to know some- 
thing of ‘‘Porter Springs,’’? which have attracted so much attention during 
the present season, I will give you a few facts concerning them. 

You approach ‘‘Porter Springs’? by the Air-Line road, leaving it at 
Gainesville, about sixty miles from Atlanta and reach the ae by stage 
travel of thirty:miles. They are situated in the midst of the moun- 
tains, the peaks rising to the east, north and west of the Springs, and some 
of them being in immediate proximity of the Springs, as the Stone Pile 
Mountains, Mineral Hill and Cedar Mountains, which rise’to an elevation 
from six hundred to one thousand feet above the site of the hotel, which 
is itself three thousand feet above Pensacola. This elevation as you may 
readily imagine secures a delightful summer climate, and commends the 
place strongly to the invalid as well as the pleasure seeker. 

As a place for pleasure seekers, the chief advantage it has over other 
places in Georgia is that it has the largest company. The company this 
season has been chiefly from Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Lou- 
isiana, and some from Florida and Texas. Thé amusements of all of them 
are about the same—music, dancing, bowling alley, billiard tables, bathing 


te 


17 


and mountain drives, etc., etc, Itis true, I suppose, that the mountain 
scenery here, and about here, is finer than elsewhere, and is really very 
grand. The far-famed ‘‘Blood Mountain’’ is only twelve miles distant, 
which is within one hundred feet of being the highest peak in the State, its 
elevation being 4,670 feet. Excursions to this mountain top.are of frequent 
occurrence, there being a good road to the foot of the mountain and the 
extreme summit being accessible on horse back. Asa resort for invalids 
it has the advantage of an elevation ‘considerably greater than any other 
place, and the waters are said to be very efficacious in cases of diseases, 
especially dropsy, rheumatism and dyspepsia. We have not been here 
long enough to speak from actual experience as to the merits of the waters, 
but nearly everybody here claim to have been benefited. The rheumatic 
patients certainly have been, for when they come here on crutches and 
soon throw them away, you have ocular proof, and this has occurred ‘this 
season. The accommodations are as good as you can expect of as new a . 
place as this is. They procure an abundance of milk, butter and poultry 
and mutton from the surrounding country. 

This can be made a very attractive and delightful resort, and Florida 
people are interested in its success, as it is so much more accessible than 
Virginia. Yours very respectfully. HERE 


“Svow-Ciap Mountains 1x Srcut.—A Bravutirunt Sigur.—From the 
observatory of the Piedmont the observer could, on Saturday last, look 
down upon our city gardens flecked with their flowers, bright, vari-colored 
and beautiful, the leaves and grass green and luxuriant—then by casting 
your eye toward the northern horizon, you beheld the peaks of the Blue 
Ridge around Porter Springs carpeted with snow. . Who can conceive of 
a grander subject for the painter?’’—Zditorial from Gainesville Southern, 
April 17th, 1877. 


Letter from Col. W. A. Collins, of Florida, to Gainesville Southron, July 10, 1877. © 

Eprrors SourHron :—This glorious morning is in truth the ‘‘bridal of 
the earth and sky.’’ The air is a real elixir of health; cool, fresh, and ex- 
hilerating; and over these lovely masses of verdue, which at once soothe 
and delight the eye, a radiant light falls gentle as dew and sweet as early 
dawn. It is aperfect vision of beauty in repose. 

Our little colony variously engaged. The faint thunder of the ten-pin 
alley comes from the vicinity of the chalybeate spring, and the light artil- 
lery in the billiard room joins in chorous. The ladies are reading or chat- 
ting, and a few resolute spirits have sallied forth, staff in hand, to conquer . 
the crest of Cedar Mountain, and gaze upon the unrivaled amphitheatre 
spreading below and beyond ; billows upon billows follow the blue horizon, 
and holding in their embrace the most enchanting little dells and pastures, ° 
with the village of Dahlonega nestling ‘in the midst of this magnificent 
panorama. 

This summer resort has a future. These are the nearest mountains to 
the people in South (+eorgia and Florida. : 

The altitude (3,000 feet) surpasses that of the noted Virginia Springs, 
and there is at no time here the heat which is often felt at Rawley and 
White Sulphur. ’ This pure, bracing air is in itself a tonic, and the keenness 
of one’s appetite is simply marvelous. Whether it be the air or the water, 
or both combined, which effects.such astonishing restorations to strength 
and cheerfulness, we shall not say, but we do affirm that people who come 
here apparently in the last stages of debility regain vigor and buoyancy of 
spirits in a single week. There are now five persons at this place who ar- 
rived here weak, dejected, and nearly in despair, who are now as lively, 
hopeful and stirring as the heart could desire. One of these persons who 
had suffered greatly from malarial fever and was so feeble that he could 
scarcely make the journey to the springs, on the seventh day after his ar: 


18 


rival climed a mountain 4,000 feet high and as precipitous as it could well 
be. Could Colorado do more for invalids? ; 

We have excellent fare. The table has been amply supplied with chick- 
en, mutton, the fairy trout cf the mountains, eggs, light rolls, corn bread, 
milk, coffee, and the fruits of the season. Those who remember the 
‘Jenten’’ entertainment at White Sulphur will appreciate the larder of the 
Porter Springs. 

From this point excursions can be made to the gold mining regions of 
Dahlonega, Tallulah Falls, Toccoa, Blood Mountain. and the hunting and 
fishing region known as ‘‘Canada.’’ We now have a daily mail, and the 
circle of guests is steadily enlarging. The rates of board are wonderfully 
cheap, and when the curative properties of the water and air and the rare 
enjoyment of the perfectly matchless scenery are considered, can-any one 
doubt that this beautiful spot will some day be one of the most popular, as 
it is undoubtedly one of the most charming summer resorts in the South? 

June 28th, 1877. W. A. Couuins. 


Editorial of Atlanta Daily Constitution, October 8th, 1876. 

We were shown yesterday by a gentleman just from Porter Springs, a 
specimen of the genuine New England brook trout, which abound in the 
mountain brooks in the victnity of Porter Springs, Lumpkin county, in this 
State. It is perhaps the most beautiful fish found in the American waters, 
and though common in the brooks of New England, is rarely found in the 
South. There are ‘a few points in the mountainous regions of Virginia 
and North Carolina of great altitude where they are found They are the 
only kind of fish found in the mountain brooks in the vicinity of Porter 
Springs, and they exist there in great numbers. 

The Springs are near the top of the Blue Ridge on a spur called Cedar 
Mountain, in a beautiful cove at an elevation of about three thousand feet, 
and it is just over the crest of the mountain from the Spring that these beau- 
tiful trout are caught. They are not found on the Atlantic slope of the Blue 
Ridge, but only on the top of the mountain. 

On their sides they are dotted with beautiful deep red spots about the 
size of a large pin head, which spots are in regular lines. They cannot 
exist except in very cold water, and the water on the south side of the 
mountain is too warm for them.. They abound in all the streams in the 
elevated table land on top of the Blue Ridge, known as Canada, a section 
of country just over the top of the mountain from Porter Springs, and 
about three to ten miles distant. It was in this section of our State that 
there was snow on the first day of this month. For several hours there 
was a heavy fall of snow, to which we alluded in our last Friday’s issue. If 
the State Government would only open up good turnpike roads by convict — 
labor into that mountain region it would bezome the Switzerland of the 
South. 

The fact that the red speckled brook trout should abound around Porter 
Springs and that there was a brisk snow there for several hours last Sun- 
day, October 1st, is demonstrative evidence that there is within the limits 
of Georgia a little Switzerland if it were developed. . ; 


Letter from Prof. J. H. Chappell, of Columbus, Ga , to the Enquirer-Sun. 

Porter Sprines, Ga., Aug. 9.—It is a poor custom for people of fashion 
to run away from crowded cities every summer to still more crowded water- 
ing places where they are more than ever the abject slaves of fashion. Let 
these dog day carnivals of frivolity and artificiality be abolished. Let these 
huge caravansaries for the hearding together of worshippers at the shrine 
of Fashion be swept from the face of the earth. In our summer resorts let 
us seek an Arcadian simplicity. Wherever in a healthful and bracing cli- 
mate and far from the din of cities a mountain rears its head with a crystal 
spring gushing from mysterious recesses at its foot, there let a simple house 


19 P 


be built to accommodate not more thana hundred persons. Thither let the 
tired denizen of the city resort and become 


ACQUAINTED WITH NATURE. 


_ Let him lay his soul open to her sweet influences. Let his spirit be fran- 
quilized by her deep harmonies. Let him welcome her to his bosom as a 
bride-groom welcomes.his bride. Such a model summer resort are these 
Porter Springs, nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, far north in the 
State of Georgia, three’ thousand feet above the level of the sea. Itis a 
luxury to breathe the breath of life in this pure atmosphere, The hand of 
man has busied itself about the place enough for comfort, but nothing 
more. A space has been cleared and surrounded with a fence, a big house 
has been built, comfortable, but as plain as a barn, roads and walks have 
been made around, little hollows have been scooped in the ground to catch 
the waters of the gushing springs, benches have been placed under the 
trees—but that is all; no attempt has been made to ornament or beautify 
or fit up luxuriously, or in any way to render attractive by the adulteries 
of art and it is well there has not been. All around us are 


NATURE’S UNVIOLATED WILDS, 


We are in a beautiful glen, green mountains encircle us near at hand 
and big blue mountains look over their heads down upon us from afar. It 
is 4 most glorious place in which to spend these refulgent summer days. 
The blithe whistle of the partridge cheers the early morning, the locust 
sings -his resonant noon-day song, the squirrel’s bark is heard in all the 
woods around in the shadowy evening, and night is musical with voices of 
a million katydids mingled with the screech owl’s mournful wail. Breezes 
come and go, soft blue skies melt into the soul, shadows of lazy pacing 
clouds float across the green mountains, clouds collect in grey smoke-like 
masses on the lofty peaks or form in strata and cumuli about the horizon 
towards the close of day to be lit up into a thousand gorgeous hues, and 
tints of unspeakable delicacy by the golden beams of the setting sun. 
Rains descend, and in this high region may be seen afar off, stalking 
hither and thither over the country like restless ghosts. Thunder storms 
arise and fill the mountains with reverberations, 


“ Far along 
From peak to peak the rattling crags among, 
Leap the live thunder! Not from one lone cloud, 
But every mountain now hath found a tongue, 
And Jura answers, through her misty shroud, 
Back to the joyous Alps, who call to her aloud !”’ 

In this transparent atmosphere all the phases and phenomena of nature 
are presented with wonderful beauty and perfection ; the skies seem bluer 
than in other places, and at night the stars look down through the dark- 
ness with a more ravishing brilliancy. . 


ON TOP OF ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS 


Near by an observatory has been built for the accommodation of the guests 
at the Springs. It is a little house open on all sides, with the trees cleared 
away around it, so as to afford an unobstructed view of the magnificent 
landscape. From it you look out upon a grand expanse of swelling moun- 
tains and low-lying valleys, with two or three little towns visible in the far 
distance, and many isolated habitations—homes of the rough mountain- 
eers—nestled in the caves and glens, with brown patches of corn around 
_ them, and glimpses here and there of the red road that winds its serpentine 
way through this country onits endless journey. From here, too, you can 
watch for hours with unwearied delight the varied and beautiful play of sun- 
light and shadow on the tops and sides of the mountains and in the deep 
gorges, the innumerable transformation of the clouds that hover over their 
heads or gather in masses on their lofty peaks, the different aspects that 


: 20 \ 
they present tinder the different veils that the atmosphere in its varying 


states throws over their majestic forms, the storms that gather in theirde-  . 


files and wing their flight toward the zenith like mighty birds, the silver 
rains that may be seen far beneath us in the distance, going hither and 
thither among them, and descending in baptismal benedictions. If I had 
the pen of a Ruskin I could fill volumes with descriptions of these grand 
and beautiful pictures, : 

PAINTED BY THE HAND OF GOD 


On the bosom of the air. I went up to that littlé observatory late one 
evening and stayed the whole night through, alternating short maps with 
watching all the stars coming up from behind the dark mountains in the 
east, or climbing the high heavens, or crossing the celestial equator, or 


going down to their setting in the west, constellation after constellation in - 


endless procession, the Scorpion with his heart of fire, Bootes with red 
. Arcturus and his hunting dogs, the Square of Pegassus, the Swan with its 
great cross lying along the Milky Way, the Lyre with its silent music, 
Cassiopea’s inverted chair, Persons’ string of sparkling gems, the Pleiades 
and the Hyades with a glorious planet projected in their midst, and so of 
many others, until at last bright, silver Venus came up in her transcend- 
ant glory, and shortly after ‘‘crimson dawn flushed the eastern skies and 
morning ’’ stood tiptoe on the lofty peaks: A foolish thing, many will say, 
to spend the whole night on a lone mountain top, ‘ 


GAZING AT THE STARS, 


But I did it not as a matter of sentimentalism, but because, as a teacher of 
astronomy, I had long intended to read clear through, at one sitting, this 
grand chapter in nature’s book, and I know no better opportunity would 
ever present itself than this holiday season—this clear July night, this 
trdnsparent atmosphere, and this observatory on the mountain top. But 
why need a man apologize for gazing at the stars? Do not all men, how- 
ever phlegmatic, feel their beguiling influence and secretly love them and 
steal forth some nights to listen to theirsilent song! Let our poor, earthly 
souls be sometimes kindled by their pure, spiritual fires, and let our hearts 
be now and then attuned to the grandeur of their rythmic movements and 
to-all the other deep and everlasting harmonies of God’s glorious universe. 
There is a deep, spiritual refreshment, of which those who have never tried 
it can have no conception, in getting sometimes entirely away from our 


conventional, artificial life, with all its associations and influences, and. 


dwelling for a season quietly, lovingly, worshipfully, at the very heart of 
Nature, to be tranquilized and soothed by her pervading calm, to be ren- 
dered sane and normal by watching her methods and processes, to be edi- 
fied by her primeval granduer. So, if you are wearied with Traffic’s nar- 
row tyranny in the city, or if Folly’s unending banquet at some fashionable 
watering place begins to pall upon your taste, come hither to this sabbath 
of the woods. Come hither, the*mountains and the alluring stars_invite 
you. Come hither and quaff with me this cup of enchantment! jae . 


Second letter from Prof. Chappell to Columbus Enquirer-Sun. 

Porter Sprines, Aug. 22.—* * * J have caught among these mountains 
a glimpse of a life more interesting than that of mountaineers, because com- 
pletely savage, of which I must tell you. It is the custom of certain wan- 
dering bands of Indians to come every summer from somwhere in North 
Carolina and pitch their camp in this neighborhood, where they remain 
several months employing themselyes making reed baskets, blow guns, 
bows and arrows, pipes, aud other trinkets, which they sell to the guests 


at the springs. hey are full-blood Cherokees and liye in wigwams in 


regular Indian style, and are obj: cts of intense interest to the guests at the 


Springs. They are here from their camp once every week to dispose of 


91 
their wares. Their camp is pitched about two and a half miles from the 
Springs, in an isolated and romantic spot on the margin of the beautiful 


Chestatee river. On a bright morning, a week ago, a party of six of us 
walked ous there to visit them. 
OUR WAY THITHER 
lay over a rough and rocky mountain road, running through a magnificent 
forest of oak and hickory, and alongside a mountain brook that charmed 
the air with its gurgling melody. Emerging at last into an open place, af- 
_fording a splendid view of the sun-lit mountains and fields of waving corn, 
we went down into a low, rich valley, and came to the Chestatee river, a 
beautiful stream whose rapidly flowing waters are as ciear and transparent 
as any that ever gushed from acrystal spring. Turning here to the left, 
we went for nearly half a mile through a field of corn, and then entered, 
single file, a narrow path cut through a dense growth of tall bushes and 
weeds, which nearly met over our heads, creating a twilight darkness that 
even the beams of the August sun could not dispel. After proceeding sey- 
eral hundred yards through this jungle, our attention was attracted by a 
peculiar sound, and we paused to listen. It was the voice of a man sing- 
ing, evidently in some very strange foreign tongue and seemingly from the 
very midst of the thick bushes at a short distance in front of us. We 
walked a little further, stepped over a low rail fence, took four steps more 
and, with the suddenness of a flash, we were out of the bushes and right 


IN THE INDIAN CAMP. 


It was the most picturesque and romantic scene that I have ever looked . 
upon. A space of some thirty yards square had been cleared in the midst 
of the jungle right on the low margin of the river, aud swept as clean as a 
parlor floor. In the middle of this space stood an Indian wigwam made of 
poles, bark, and reeds, and afew feet off was a shed constructed of the 
same material. Near by on a log sat, in perfect idleness, a gigantic, full 
blood Cherokee Indian, as fine a speciman of the race as one needs wish 
to see; before him, reclining on the ground, were two barefoot young men 
with their rifles and dogs lying by their side, and in front of the wigwam 
sat an Indian hard at work making reed baskets. The group started in 
surprise as we emerged from the bushes, and the lordly Cherokee looked 
at us sharply with a half startled expression in his bead-black eyes. He 
quickly became very cordial and friendly, and seemed in the highest spirits 
and strode about his camp with great activity, showing us his guns and 
knives, pipes, moccasins and various other accoutrements. He gave exhi- 
bitions of his skill as a marksman with the rifle and bow and arrow; rolled 
up his sleeve and exhibited with great pride the enormovs muscle of his 
sinewy arm; allowed us to enter his wigwam and examine and handle at 
liberty everything in it, and even to recline on his bed of reed rushes 
spread on the ground in one corner. He was a gigantic, big limbed fellow, 
and seemed to unite the agility of a wild cat with the strength of a lion. 
We were at the camp more than an hour and he was scarcely still a moment 
of the time, and every motion was grace itself, and a grace absolutely pe- 
culiar to the Indian race, and altogether ‘‘beyond the reach of art.’’ If 
there is any absolutely inimitable creature on the face of the earth, itis a 
full blood Indian with his spirits up and surrounded by his household gods. 
I would not take a great deal for having seen the exhibition. 


THE SQUAW, NANCY, 


Remained squatted on the ground in front of the wigwam intent at her 
work on the reed baskets, scarcely deigning even to glance at us. Under 
the shed near by hung large bunches of reed splits, dyed in various colors 
with roots and barks which the Indians get in the surrounding country. 
On a slow burning fire in front of the wigwam was a big oven which sim- 
maered a thick paste-like broth or porridge, upon which they are said chiefly 


22 


to live. When the sun had reached the meridian we reluctantly turned out 
footsteps homeward, and left the red man in his wild home by the mur- 
muring waters of the Chestatee. : A es OR 

e 


Editorial of Brunswick Advertiser and Appeal, June 23, 1883. 

Porter Springs is truly in the mountains, being situated within two 
miles of the top of the backbone of the Blue Ridge. The altitude of the 
hotel is three thousand feet above the sea level, and within a mile and a 
half of the hotel are mountains one thousand feet higher, and within 
ten miles rising two thousand feet higher. Persons who reside on the 
sea-board or in that belt of country only two or three hundred feet higher, 
to-wit, south of and embracing Columbia, Augusta, Macon and Montgom- 
ery, should go to the mountains. By so doing they get the benefit not 
only of a change of climate, but of atmospheric pressure. At the sea level 
the atmospheric pressure is fifteen pounds to the square inch, and on a_ 
person of ordinary size there are two thousand square inches of surface, 
making the pressure on an ordinary person about thirty thousand pounds. 
At Porter Springs the atmospheric pressure is about three thousand five 
hundred pounds less than at, the sea level. This change of altitude, with 
its consequent change of the weight of the atmosphere, is of itself attended 
with fine medicinal effects, to say nothing of the purity of the air and water. 

The pleasure grounds and walks are very incentive to out-door exer- 
cise. Within the last two or three years the place. has been much im- 
proved in that respect. There are now beautiful fish ponds in front of the 
hotel, filled with three varieties of German carp, and the famous red 
speckled brook trout. Around these ponds are fine Jerseys that yield rich 
milk for the hotel. 

The buildings are not fine, but are comfortable. As for the manner in 
which the hotel is kept, we could not inform our readers more satisfacto- 
rily than by reproducing a communication which appeared in our columns 
two or three summers ago from Mrs. D. T. Dunn. fies Dunn left Bruns- 
wick with a party of six or eight to go to Porter Springs, and all was well 
with them till they reached Gainesville, at which point they were dissuaded _ 
from attemping so reckless and so bold an undertaking as that of trying to 
get-to Porter Springs. The hotel keepers, the boarding house keepers, the 
livery stable men, the doctors, the merchants, everybody told them there was 
no way to get to Porter Springs, and if they were fortunate enough to get 
there they would find nothing. They were dissuaded by the efforts of the 
Gainesville people, whose interest is to keep everybody in their own town, and 
after traveling three hundred miles on their way to Porter Springs, con- 
tented themselves by staying in Dahlonega for two months, and in Dahlon- 
ega they found it just as they did in Gainesville—everybody working to 
stop every visitor from going further. And just before starting home in the 
fall they ventured to ride out to see that much-abuseed place—abused by 
those who had competing interest—and here is what they thought of Porter 
Springs: 

Letter from Mrs. D. T. DUNN. 

Mr. Epiror—So many people, deluded by flaming advertisements of 
‘splendid accommodations,’’ are continually falling into gilded nets of fair 
promises, I feel it a duty, as well as a pleasure, to tell you and your many 
readers about one place in Northern Georgia—one desirable place—the very 
spot for our coast peole—Porter Springs. We hear about it at home, but 
it seems a long way off, and it is said to be almost inaccessible, and very 
rough, ete. Iregret I cannot give you as much information about this 
lovely place as I would like, but perhaps the few honest words I can say 
may save some of our health-seekers next season from the discomforts and 
disappointments experienced in this country this summer. And just here 
I wifl add a bit of advice: When you start for a place, do not stop until 
you reach it, no matter what people say—goon. The more you hear against 


28 


it, the faster you go. It’s a safe principle to travel on in this country, for 
it seems to be achronic habit along the coast and among the hills to slander 
and villify the best things. 

Just reflect how it has been with our pretty little town of Brunswick. 
Can you eyer heara good word for us in any of the neighboring towns? 
They are all terribly afraid of having its merits known and tested. Just so 
- with Porter Springs, our objective point on leaving home. 

Arriving at Gainesville—a straggling town oF great pretentions as a 
‘*summer resort,’? not one good word could be heard of Porter Springs. 
‘* Hot place,’’ ‘“‘ lonesome,” ‘‘ dreadful roads,’’ ‘‘ nothing to see,’’ ete. At 
Dahlonega much the same kind of talk, so we anchored at Dahlonega, 
rather discouraged about finding perfect satisfaction as regards the inward 
and outward demands of human nature—thinking all places much the 
same, and that it was a bad case of distance lending enchantment to be 
dissipated by actual presence. : 

At last, grown desperate under the accumulated weight of weeks of 
‘still life,’’ one bright autumn morning we started for a day’s “ outing,’’ 
determining to know for ourselves something about Porter Springs, only 
ten miles away, farther up among the hills. It wasa glorious morning— 
the air crystal for clearness and purity, the grand hills sparkling and shim- 
mering in the golden sunlight, the niountains, just beyond, standing in 
and, majestic silence, lovingly, softly folded in misty mantles of gauzy 
lue. 3 

Three hours of blissful riding brought us to the Springs, and we knew 
in a moment, as we drove through the gate, that we had made a great mis- 
take, and had missed the one really desirable place. It is a new resort, 
and the buildings are common, but comfortable. There is at present a 
long, rambling sort of hotel with pleasant piazzas, cabins scattered about 
the grounds for guests, a chapel for service, dancing hall, bowling alley, 
bath®house, billiard tables, fine mineral springs, lovely walks, cosy corn- 
ers, fine views and grand mountains near by to climb and explore. In 
fact, everything possible at present seems to have been done and provided 
to give pleasure to the gay and rest and quiet to the sober-minded. 

Not the least attraction (we are all so very human, even in the midst 
- of nature’s grandeur) was the excellent dinner, an every-day thing—that 
is, the excellence of it—as we were assured by the guests. To us it was 
like a very glimpse into the paradise of dining-rooms. Snowv linen, 
shining silver, glittering glassware, napkins, attentive waiters with clean 
aprong and jackets, a perfectly cooked dinner, creamy milk and everything 
good. Ambrosia flecked with dew was never sweeter to the gods than this 
clean, wholesome, well-cooked dinner to the pair of hungry mortals who 

did full justice to it. It was a day of pleasant surprise. 
; Porter Springs are located upon the side of the Blue Ridge range of 
mountains. Beautiful for situation, and, of eourse, unequalled for purity 
of air, it is the very place for weak, languid, debilitated people. From the 
mountains to the sea—from the sea to the mountains! It is cheaper and 
much more pleasant than staying at home continually, taking drugs and 
bitters. ; M. T. D. 


Editorial letter from T. G. Stacy to Brunswick Advertiser-A ppeal. 

Porter Sprines, Ga., Aug. 20, 1883.—‘The half had not been told.”’ 
Such have been our thoughts since we arrived at this delightful summer 
resort. Accepting the theory that a little mountain air is beneficial, though 
we can’t say we needed it, we set out last week for a short run to the 
mountains. ; 

Leaving Atlanta at 2:30 p.m. on the Air Line train, we arrived at Gaines- 
ville at 5 p.m., and soon precured a team and were off for Porter Springs. 
The fearful tales we had heard ef the dangerous mountain roads ahead of 
us would have deterred us from taking this ride in the night, although the _ 


i> 


24 


moon shone beautifully, had we not remembered that the tales about the 
roads being impassable and dangerous are usually circulated by persons in- 
terested in hotels and boarding houses in other localities. Making, as wes w 

posed, due allowance for the exaggerations of interested parties, we still 


expected break-neck adventures on the ride, but never were we more ~ 
agreeably surprised. After a most delightful ride of five hours and a half, 


in the night, over one of the best mountain roads we ever traveled, we arrived 
safely at Porter Springs at 10:30 p.m. We were charmed with the ride, and 
could but pity those who have been deterred from coming here by the misrep- 
resentations of the drummers of other hotels and boarding houses. The moon 
was in the zenith of her glory, and as we made the descent to the Chesta- 
tee river, with mountains to the right and chasms to the left that seemed 
by moonlight to be without bottom, the scenery was grand beyond descrip- 
tion. On emerging at last from a narrow mountain pass into a beautiful 
cove with mountain all around, and a seemingly little village far up on the 
mountain side, all lighted up, we were informed by our driver that we were 
in sight of our destination. The hotel and the cabins all being lighted, 
-and a large, old fashioned camp-meeting fire light in front, gave it the ap- 
pearance of an illuminated town. We found some dancing, some playing 
billiards, cards, etc., and could scarcely realize that we had left Gainesville 
after five o'clock that evening. We retired, and after a refreshing night’s 
rest, arose to behold one of the most beautiful and most lovely mountain 
coves we have ever seen. 

Standing in the piazza of the hotel, we looked down more than one 
hundred feet in the valley below, where are green pastures, and in the 
center of them fish ponds filled with German carp and that rare fish, the 
red speckled brook trout. Around these fish ponds were grazing fine Jer- 
sey cattle, led by a registered bull that would do credit to any herd. Then 
looking above, we beheld imposing mountains only a fourth of a mile dis- 
tant, rising four hundred feet above and all around the valley, except a 
narrow space on the east of the cove, which space seems omitted in the 
wall of mountains to admit the genial rays of the morning sun. Observing 
a building on the summit, immediately in front, we learned it was a pavil- 


lion for the use of the guests. From this pavillion the scenery is equalled ~ 


in but few countries. 

Next came breakfast, and a good oneit was! Chickens that had never 
been cooped; butter without any of the features of oleomargarine ; mutton 
from the mountain tops, four thousand feet high, where the air, the water, 
the pasturage all combine to make it the finest mutton in the world; 
everything cooked well; the table cleths, the napkins, the silver-ware and 
everything clean and nice. We could see at once why there were about one 
hundred people here in the mountains, thirty miles from a railroad, and 
among them persons from all the points of the compass. Yes, there are 
guests here from New York, New Orleans, Savannah, Galveston, Texas, 
Kansas City, Mo., and almost every Southern State. 

Breakfast disposed of, and the hour for services. having arrived, it be- 
ing Sabbath, we found that there is a church here, and that there are ser- 
vices every Sabbath, and soon the bell rang, and services were conducted. 
The church was built by the joint contributions of the visitors and the 


« 


owner of the Springs. It was dedicated a Methodist church, but is open 
to all. In every pomt of view the place surpasses our expectations. The 


buildings, it is true, are plain and cheap, but, being occupied only three or 
four months in the year, fine buildings could not be expected. The furni- 
ture in the bed rooms and in the dining room is superior to that used at 
most summer resorts. "The bath rooms are free, as are the billiard tables 
and ten-pin alley. Taking all things into censideration, we know of no 


place where so much can be had for $24.00 per month as is furnished for 


that price at Porter Springs. Of course you will find among one hundred 
people some who will grumble, no matter how things are conducted, but 


25 


there is but one answer to be made to anyone who grumbles here, and that 
answer should be in the shape of an inquiry, ‘‘do you know where you 
can do better at $24 per month?’ If they know of such a place, they 
should go to it, and if they do not, then they should not grumble. In our 
opinion, there is no place where you can get more for the same money. 


Sane from Epiror Sracy to Brunswick Advertiser and Appeal, September 

Porter Sprines, Ga., Aug. 25, 1883.—No one visiting Porter Springs 
feels that his trip is complete until he ascend Blood Mountain, ten miles 
distant, and ‘‘views the landscape o’er.’’ Appreciating this sentiment, the 
writer, accompanied by Col. H. P. Farrow, set out to see this wonder of 
upper Georgia. The distance to the foot of the mountain is ten miles, and 
our road lay along the banks of the lovely Chestatee, a small but impetu- 
ous stream—in short, a succession of falls, cascades and rapids, the river 
descending 3,000 feet in five miles. The road in many places is hewn out 
of the sides of the mountains that skirt this winding stream. With this 
river on one side far below us, and the mountains on the other, rising far 
above, and the dense forest upon every hand, beautified with the ivy, the 
laurel, and the majestic hemlock of New England, we could scarcely realize 
that we were within the State of Georgia. 

Just at dark we drew up at farmer Jarrard’s, ina lovely valley just at 
the foot of the mountain. 

After an early breakfast, the next morning, Col. F. and self mounted 
our sure-footed steeds, commenced the ascent of the mountain, to the top 
of which is about two and ahalf miles. Part of the trail was through the 
forest, and so steep that only flat stones will lie still. 


At last we reach the summit, 4,670 feet higher than Brunswick, and 
such a sight bursts upon our view! As far as the eye could look were the 
everlasting hills and mountains, piled up as it were, one upon the other— 
peak after peak—range after range—all interspersed with fertile valleys and 
mountain streams. The sight from this point—than which there are only 
two othets higher in Georgia, and they but a few feet—is simply grand. 
Towering above everything else, we literally looked’ down on the world, 
embracing in one view parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina . 
and Tennessee. We could see Dahlonega, the county-site of Lumpkin, 
Cleveland, of White, Clarksville, of Habersham, and Blairsville, of Union. 
The surrounding county, out of the mountains, is only about one thousand’ 
feet above the sea-level, and Blood rises precipituously nearly four thous- 
and feet above the country we viewed. 

Nature adapts herself to circumstances, and here, where the tall tree 
would be torn to atoms by the wind, the trees, though symmetrical and 
perfect in form, are not so tall but a person can readily stand upon the- 
ground and pick acorns from the topmost branches. This is the-section of 
Georgia which is within the same isothermal belt with the city of Boston. 
Porter Springs can boast of what no other watering place ean—it can boast 
of being in the same isothermal belt with the cities of Boston, Gleveland, 
Detroit, Chicago and Omaha. Lake Erie is within the same isothermal 
belt with this section of Georgia. Our authority is not a Porter Springs 
advertisement, but the highest scientific authority in America, the ‘‘Statisti- 
cal Atlas,’’ published by the U. S. government, under the supervision of 
Prof. Joseph Henry, of the Smithsonian Institute, and Chas. A. Schott, of 
the U. S. coast survey, in October, 1872. We refer those of our readers 
who have access to this valuable atlas to plate seven as our authority. The- 
altitude of Porter Springs and of the mountains around is often questioned 
by uninformed persons, but the authority above given settles that question. 
In May or first of June last a spectaele was beheld in this part of Georgia 
seldom beheld anywhere in the world—full ripe lucious peaches and snow- 
capped mountains in full view of each other. Another beautiful scene, to be- 


26 


-viewed at the Springs at any time, and to be seen nowhere else in the 

South, is a fish pond full of the beautiful red speckled brook trout. This 
_ of itself is sufficient evidence of the altitude of Porter Springs, for this fish 

will not live in the South except at an altitude of more than twenty-five - 

hundred feet. But as to the altitude of Porter Springs we are not leftto ~ 
arguments based on the presence of the hemlock tree on all the streams in 
this vicinity, the presence of the red speckled brook trout in the fish pond 
in front of the hotel, or the luscious peaches and snow-capped mountains 
in full view of each other, for the above alluded to Statistical Atlas disposes - 
of that question. 

The soil of these mountains is rich and fertile, and produces well, and 
the mountains themselves abound in wild turkey, pheasants, and other 
game. The pasturage, too, is excellent; sheep, cattle and horses keep as 
fat as seals from grazing alone. 

After taking another long and lingering look, we slowly retraced our 
- steps down the mountain, visiting on our return an Indian wigwam in the 
canebreak, on the bank of the river, where dwells an Indian and his squaw 
from the Catawba valley, who live by making vari-colored baskets out of 
the cane and selling to the visitors at the Springs. 


Editorial of Homeward Star, Atlanta, Ga., August, 1877. 


Porter Springs, July 16th, 1877.—After a six months’ canvass of a 
large part of the great State of Texas, in the interest of the Homeward 
Star, we arrived on the 8th inst. in Atlanta, travel-worn, dusty and weary. 

Being fagged out and needing a few days’ rest, we threw ourselves into 
the tide which was setting in toward the famous Porter Spring, in Lump- 
kin county, where we are now luxuriating in the pure mountain air, and 
have but to raise our eyes from our paper to look out upon the most en- | 
chanting mountain scenery encircling the springs in beautiful blue unda- 
lating lines, as peak after peak rises high in bold relief against the distant 
horizon, while from the wooded heights come a luxurious, invigorating 
breeze, one breath of which is worth a thousand of such as in the lowlands, 
heated by the parched, glaring earth, fill the lungs as the blast from a 
furnace. . 

Among the two hundred persons congregated here, we were pleased to 
see many of our friends from Atlanta, as well as other parts of the country. 
We notice on the register names of persons from North Carolina, South 
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, New York, Ohio, 


The fame of the curative properties of the waters of Porter Springs « 
comes down from the Indians to the white man, and, although for years 
the afflicted have been coming to the springs and camping out around, for 
want of better accommodations, yet not until about two years has the 
property been in the hands of those who were able to put up buildings for 
the accommodation of the public. 

We have been told of some wonderful cures effected by the waters in 
cases of rheumatism, neuralgia, dropsy, ulcers, diseases of women, diseases 
due to impurities in the blood, debility from residence in a debilitating cli- 
mate, or of exhausting diseases, etc. 

It is with genuine pleasure we hear invalids tell of how they were in 
extremis when they came to the springs ; how the tide was turning, and the 
felt as if they were taking a new lease on life; how the racking pains whic 
had tortured them night and day for weeks was gradually disappearing— 
sleep, appetite, all returning, and this, in many cases, after being only a 
few days at the springs. 

While Porter Spring offer health to the invalid, it is also a most pleas- 
ant summer resort for those who are not invalids, but wish merely to get 
-away from the dust and noise of city life, and forget the cares of business © 

-during the hot weather. Here is mountain scenery too beautiful for de- 


27 


scription, and air as pure and fresh as that which first kissed the dew drops 
in the garden of Eden before there was a-pair of lungs to poison it. 

For the entertainment of the guests the proprietors have provided bil- 
liards, ten pins, croquet, a piano, etc. There are twelve bath rooms and 
-a swimming pool. 

The next day after we arrived at the springs, we were enticed by our 
two friends, Drs. Armstrong and Simpson, of Atlanta, to make the ascent 

of Cedar Mountain, overlooking the springs. There is a very good moun- 
’ tain road to within 300 or 400 yards of the summit, and when the road gave 
out, we had to trust to our muscle and wind to scale the almost perpendie- 
ular heights. By dint of puffiing and blowing, and the aid of friendly 
bushes and trees, and the enccuraging ‘‘ Come On, we are almost to the 
top,’’ of our more athletic friends ahead, we reached the top, and soon for- 
got the fatigue of over-taxed muscles and lungs in the magnificent pano- 
rama spread out below us. 

To the south we look out over a broad expanse of wooded country, the 
deep green of the thick foliage gradually changing its tint to the deep blue 
_as it meets the horizon in the distance. With the exception of little clear- 
ings, dotted here and there in the valley, and the little town of Dahlonega, 
six miles distant, as the crow flies, the stretch of forest is as unbroken as 
when the Red Man first looked down upon them from the heights where 
we now stand. To the right and left spurs of the Blue Ridge reach far to 
the south, hedging in this comparatively level country till the peaks which 
were mountains around us have dwindled into mole-hills in the distance. 

To the north, northeast and northwest the view is grander than that to 
the south, though not so extended. Here the mountains are crowded upon 
-each other, rising higher in the blue distance till they are capped on the 
right, to the northeast, by Blood Mountain, nearly 5,000 feet high, and on 
the left, to the northwest, by Black Mountain, but little lower than Blood, 

Those who have not seen it have no conception of the beauty and 
-grandeur of the mountain scenery in Northeast Georgia. It is scarcely 
surpassed by any mountain scenery in the United States. 

The fare here is excellent, and the proprietors are unceasing in their 
attentions to the comfort and pleasure of their guests. 


‘Second Editorial of Homeward Star, Atlanta, Ga., June, 1878, 


We had heard so much said and had seen so much written about Por- 
ter Springs, its water, its scenery and its climate, that we went there last 
summer for the two-fold purpose of recreation and inspection. 

As for its water and scenery, we were soon satisfied that too much had 
not, and, indeed, could not, be said in its favor. As for its climate, we 

-were amazed. We do not hesitate to say that none but a truly 
scientific man can wield a pen with anything like success in pictur- 
ing its climatic advantages. Its medicinal water and its beautiful 
scenery would of themselves make it (as it has been appropriately 
styled) the ‘‘Queen of the Mountains.”’ But its atmospheric status consti- 
tutes its chief value, and would, of itself, justify the expenditure of hun- 
dreds of thousands of dollars in its improvement. 

Our readers will, doubtless, be surprised at being told that the isother- 
mal lines across our continent, traced by the most scientific men in Ameri- 

-ea, and based on actual observation, place Porter Springs, in the same iso- 
thermal belt with Boston, New York, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Detroit, Chica- 
go and Omaha and Portland, Oregon, and place on an isothemal line run- 
ning south of Porter Springs, the following points, namely: Philadelphia, 
Cincinnati, Louisville, Washington, St. Louis, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, 
and San Francisco. In other words, the climate of Porter Springs is cooler 
‘than that of the belt of country embracing these last named cities, and is 
the same as that of the belt embracing the first named cities. Any one 
wishing to trace these lines for his own satisfaction can do so by going to 


28 


the Young Men’s Library Association and examining the ‘‘Statistical Atlas: 
of the United States,’’ which is a’ valuable addition recently made to the- 
Library, and which was published by authority of the Government, under~ 
the supervision of Prof. Joseph Henry, of the Smithsonian Institute, and’ 
other equally scientific men, There is no higher authority on these points 
than that Atlas. Its isothemal lines cross the continent from one ocean to- 
the other, making the points having the same annual mean temperature, 
and there is a line for every four degrees of temperature from 40 to 76 de- 
grees. The mean temperature of the belt embracing Porter Springs is be- 
tween 48 and 52 degrees, and the mean. temperature of both Boston and’ 
New York is between 48 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The solution to this 
isothermal line is found in another Chart of this Statistical Atlas, to-wit, 
the ‘‘Hypsometric Chart,’’ or map, showing altitudes. It shows the Ap- 
palachian range of mountains from the vicinity of Porter Springs to the- 
White Mountains, in New Hampshire, and further shows that the grand‘ 
culmination of this range of mountains is, at their Southern termination, in 
a scope of country commencing at Porter Springs and running northeast for 
one hundred miles into North Carolina, and from ten to thirty miles wide. So- 
that by authority of the ‘‘Statistical Atlas,’’ which is the highest authority - 
extant, we have in the northern part of Georgia and western part of North 


Carolina a country, about 150 miles long and about 30 miles wide, possessed! — 


of greater altitude than any east of the Rocky Mountains. It is this which: 
brings the isothermal line of Boston, New York and Chicago into Georgia, . 
and jt is this which will make Porter Springs the greatest of all Southern 
summer resorts. 

The effect upon the climate by latitude and altitude is easily calculated 
by the rules laid down by scientific men; a degree of latitude making a dif- 
ference of two degrees in temperature, and 300 feet of altitude making a. 
difference of one degree in temperature. Apply this rule to two given 
points, say Savannah and Porter Springs, and there being a difference of 
four degrees in latitude and 3,000 feet in altitude, the difference in tempera-- 
ture would be eighteen degrees. Therefore the thermometer would stand\ 
at 98 degrees in Savannah while at 80 degrees at Porter Springs. 

And, in addition to the change in temperature, there is another agency - 
brought into play by altitude, to-wit: atmospheric pressure. The weight 
of the atmosphere at the ordinary surface of the earth, or, as it is termed 
by scientific men, at the sea level, is equal to fifteen pounds to the square 


inch. There are about 2,000 square inches of surface on a man of ordinary” 
size, and, therefore, there is, at the sea level, an atmospheric pressure of: 
30,000 pounds ona common person. And at an elevation of 3,000 feet there - 


are three thousand five hundred pounds less of atmospheric pressure than: 


at the sea level. Thus, a citizen of Charleston, Savannah, Mobile or New 


Orleans, on ascending to Porter Springs would be under an atmospheric- 
pressure 3,500 pounds less than when at home. The great removal of at- 
mospheric pressure by ascending to an altitude of 12,000 feet gives pain, 


unless a person exercises very cautiously. That change of atmospheric: 
pressure thought to be most beneficial to health, is accomplished by pass-- 


ing from the sea level to the mountain regions with an altitude ranging from. 
two to five thousand feet. Therefore, considering all the influences on cli- 


mate caused by the latitude and altitude of the mountains around Porter~ 


Springs, that portion of our State has a bright future ahead of it. 


Letter from Cou. JoseEPHUS CAMP to the Herald, Swainsboro, Ga., August 23, 1877. 


Porter Springs, August 7, 1877.—Dear Herald:—Since my last letter, 
I have ascended Cedar Mountain, the highest peak of the Blue Ridge in: 
this vicinity, being 1,000 feet higher than the Springs, and 4,000 feet above 
the level of the sea. 

On last Thursday, a party of eight, your correspondent one of the num- 
ber, climbed to the top of the mountain. It was a tedious and tiresome- 


29 


‘undertaking, but the grand panorama spread out to our view was ample 
-compensation for the extraordinary toil. To the north Blood Mountain 
rises up 1,000 feet higher, while Stone Mountain and many others at a dis- 
tance were plainly seen. In fact, we were surrounded by a sea of moun- 
tains of varying height. 

The day before our ascent of the mountain, a party of young Jadies, 
-eight in number, with four gentlemen, performed the extraordinary feat of 
ascending this mountain in time to see thesun rise. The distance to walk 
is two miles and the elevation 1,000 feet above the hotel. I did not believe 
that it was possible for any lady to accomplish this, but these ‘‘immortal 
-eight’’ have the proud distinction of having accomplished what no other 
ladies have ever attempted before. _, 

Yesterday, in company with eight other gentlemen, I visited the ‘‘ Sten- 
-cil Falls,’’ on Chestatee river, six miles from this place. They are situated - 
in a wild and picturesque scenery, grand beyond description. The falls 
are about 60 feet high, and in the future history of Porter Springs will no 
-doubt figure prominently as a place for picnic excursions. Ps * a 

The splendid scenery, high altitude and excellent curative qualities of 
the waters are a sufficient guarantee that this resort will prove a great 
-success. JENCs 


Letter from ““A CAROLINIAN ” to the Charleston News and Courier. 


Porter Sprines, Lumpexin County, Ga., July 16.—Having heard so 
much about Porter Springs, the famous watering place of Northeast Geor- 
-gia, known by the Indians years ago as ‘‘The Medicine Spring,’’ I came 
here a few days ago with my anticipations raised very high; and yet I have 
not been disappointed, but can truthfully say in the words of the Queen of 
Sheba, on the occasion of her visit to Solomon, ‘‘the half had not been 
told me.”’ 

Porter Springs is indeed a most lovely place. Situated at the foot of 
Cedar Mountain, one of the Blue Ridge range, and completely surrounded 
with mountains, it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots I have 

-ever seen, though I have been in over one half of the States in the Union, 
and have visited a goodly number of watering places in this country. The 
mountain scenery is perfectly grand, the climate delightful, and the min- 
‘eral waters truly wonderful in their effects, and last but by no means least 
in consideration, the fare is excellent and board only $24.00 per month. 
‘There are at least a dozen different mineral springs within the space coy- 
ered by a few acres of ground, possessing as many diffesent kinds of me- 
-dicinal properties, which have effected some most remarkable cures of 
‘chronic diseases. Rheumatism, kidney and liver affections, cutaneous 
diseases and general debility of various kinds have been successfully treated 
by the use of these waters. Last season there were between four and five 
hundred visitors here during the season, while many had to be turned off 
for the want of accommodations. 

This year a large addition has been made to the main hotel building, 
and many other improvements, adding considerably to the comfort of the 
guests. Drives, walks, strolls, billiards, dancing, ten-pins, etc., constitute 
the chief sources of pleasure and amusement to the guests. Visitors are 
-coming in rapidly from Georgia; North and South Carolina, Alabama, 
Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. ‘ 

’ I have been thus particular to give you the main points of interest with 
reference to this famous watering place for the good of your readers, many 
-of whom usually leave the dust and heat of the ‘‘ City by the Sea ’”’ for 
cooler and more healthful climes in the mountains during the summer. To 
one and all such I would say come up to Porter Springs, ‘‘ the Queen of 
the Mountains,’’ in this beautiful ‘‘ Land of the Sky,’’ and you will have 
“cause to be grateful for a most delightful time and for restored health, for 
there is no better resort for the summer months to be found in the South- 
land. A CAROLINIAN. 


30 


Editorial of Mountain Signal, Dahlonega, Ga., June 23, 1876 

The improvements at this celebrated resort, Porter Springs, are rapidly 
progressing. be , 

The unquestionably great medicinal virtues of the waters, the far 
greater altitude (3,000 feet above sea level) than any other watering place: 
east of the Rocky Mountains, the magnificent mountain scenery, the deli- 
cious climate, the excellent table, and the ample means provided for inno- 
cent pleasures, offer alike to the invalid and the pleasure seeker a place 
where he can beneficially and pleasantly while away the heated summer 
months. 


Editorial of Spartanburg (S. C.) Herald, May 19, 1875. 

We copy from the Sunny South this week a quaint little Indian legend 
under the caption of ‘‘The Forest Flower,’’ which unfolds a tale about a 
popular watering place in the mountains of North Georgia, known as Por- 
ter Springs. Its high altitude, the bracing mountain air, the beautiful 
scenery, the healing qualities of the water, combine to make it one of the 
most pleasant summer retreats, and the many wonderful cures effected 
prepare the mind to believe the weird words of the Indian medicine woman 
who said ‘‘In a wild little valley at the foot of the mountain the Great 
Spirit has caused a Medicine Spring to gush forth.’’ 

Invalids whose constitutions have been broken down by choronic dis- 
eases, or whose systems have become enervated or enfeebled by residence 
in unhealthy localities, or by irregular habits of life, may confidently ex- 
pect to regain health and strength from this medicinal fountain, while the 
beautiful scenery, invigorating climate, ample facilities for pleasant recrea- 
tion and amusement, and moderate rates of board, offer rare attractions 
both to the votaries of pleasure and those who seek the restoration of 
health. 


Letter from “J. W.S”’ to the Gainesville Eagle, June 21, 1883. 


GERMAN CARP AND JERSEY CaTTLeE.—Editor Eagle:—Having promised 
to write you from the mountains | will give you an account of what I see 
around here in the way of “Jersey cattle’? and ‘‘German carp.’”’ In full 
view from the Hotel are three beautiful ponds, one with about one acre of 
water and the others smaller. In the large one are three varieties of carp, 
the Scale, the Mirror, and the Leather carp. ‘There are three sizes. The 
oldest were three inches long when put in there in November, 1880, and 
are now about three years old and are about eighteen inches long and 
weigh ten or twelve pounds. The next two years old and about fourteen 
inches long and weigh about five pounds. And the others were hatched 
out in this pond last summer and are four to six inches long. They are 
gentle and come up regularly to be fed and will eat anything that a pig eats. 
You can sometimes see a hundred at atime. The other ponds have no 
carp in them but are full of the Red Speckled Brook Trout. The first trout 
were placed in there on the same day that President Garfield was shot and 
they have done well. They have not only lived but they have raised young 
trout. It has been said they would not live on the southern slope of the 
Blue Ridge much less raise their- young, but this experiment here proves 
the contrary. The trout ponds are very cold, the temperature now being 
about 60 and never during the hotest weather, going above 65. These 
ponds are supplied with wa er from branches coming down on the north 
side of mountains immediately in front of the Hotel, which branches are 
supplied by springs on the mountain side which are very cold, some as low 
in temperature as 54 degrees. The trout are fed on animal food exelusive- 
ly, liver being their favorite food. They will come to be fed and sometimes. 
a dozen of them will jump at the food at once and rise a foot above the 
water in abunch. When feeding them if you put your hand in the water 
you will get bitten for they will strike you quick, and they have bad teeth. 


31 


The fish ponds are worth a days ride to see, but we will pass to the Jerseys. . 

A fine registered bull and several cows and heifers are grazing around’ 
the fish pond; and the ponds and the Jerseys constitute a beautiful picture. 
Guests when supplied with fish from these ponds and milk and butter from 
this Jersey herd will have the brain food and the fat making food, and ought 
to do well. This place is away from the railroad, but it has its advantages. 
The trout in the ponds evidence the great altitude of the place, for they are 
never found lower than about three thousand feet of altitude. Week be- 
fore last we had a killing frost and some of the higher mountains were 
capped with snow. It is perhaps the first time in the history of our State 
that we have had within her borders and in sight of each other ripe peache 
and snow capped mountains. J. W.S. 


Letter from JAMES P. HARRISON to the Gainesville Southron, April 29, 1884. 

Carp AnD TrouT.—PorTER Sprines, Ga., April 17, 1884.—Editor 
Southron:—Carp culture is on the increase in this vicinity. We have four 
ponds here, the largest having an area of more than one acre. This is the 
fourth year of our experiment, and already enough fish have been sold to 
repay all costs of constructing and stocking the ponds. The four ponds 
cost about one hundred dollars, and we have this week sold from them one - 
hundred and seventeen dollars’ worth of fish, to say nothing of sales pre- 
viously made and of supplying gratuitously ten or a dozen ponds in this 
neighborhood. We offer to give to any and every neighbor who will con- 
struct a pond, within ten miles of Porter Sprifgs, enough carp to stock his 
pond—our object being to so increase the production of carp in this vicinity 
that we can at all times procure them for table use at the hotel. We have: 
found them to be a most delicious table fish when raised in the pure water 
of this mountain region. Like all fish, they are the product of the water 
they are in, and are good or bad as the water is pure or impure. They- 
spawn here at two years old. 

We also have one pond full of the red speckled: brook trout, and they 
are doing remarkably well. The first trout were placed in the pond the 
day that President Garfield was shot. The coldest springs in the bottom 
of this pond are fifty-four degrees in temperature, and in the heat of sum- 
mer the body of the pond rises to sixty-two degrees. There is a difference- 
of twenty degrees between the temperature of the trout pond and the carp 
pond, though they are adjoining. I send you by bearer a few trout, which 
are a fair sample of the stock in our pond. 

Very respectfully, JAMES P. HARRISON. 


Letter from Mas. H. ATKINSON to The Journal, Dawson, Ga., July 19, 1877. 


We publish the following, written by Maj. H. Atkinson to Maj. Nelson. 
It will be seen that our esteemed fellow-townsman, now at Porter Springs, 
in Lumpkin county, is deriving great benefit from his visit to that celebra- 
ted watering place: & 

Porter Sprines, Ga., July 1, 1877. O. O. Netson,’Esq.—Dear Sir:— 
Your favor of the 24th was received on the 29th. J avail myself of the first 
succeeding return mail toreply. I arrived here just two weeks ago last 
Friday night. From the time I left home, and throughout the first week 
here, I was greatly discouraged, but now every day develops a gradual im- 
provement in strength and elasticity. As evidence of reduction in my ab- 
dominal enlargement I am to-day wearing clothing with comfort, that I 
could not button around me 10 days ago. My cough has quite disappeared 
and breathing greatly improved, which was well nigh extinct when I 
reached here. * * * Now, for Porter Springs; I have this to say, that its 
sublime mountain scenery, pure and invigorating air, excellence of its heal- 
ing waters, abundance and delicacy of table fare, and its kindest of hosts: 
altogether, combine to make it the most desirable resort for invalids, to be: 
found anywhere in this or any other State. Aside from my own brief ex- 


32 


perience the statements of ladies and gentlemen now here, whose friends 
have been restored to health, corroborate the above opinion. * * * We 
. do not experience here any of the tropical heat you are all sweltering under 
in the lower country. Yours truly, H. ATKINSON. 


Letter from Mr. J. O. JELKS to the Hawkinsville Dispatch, July 19, 1877. a 

Porter, Springs, Ga., July 9, 1877—Lditor Hawkinsville Dispateh:—, 
As promised, on leaving home, that you should hear from our party, I seat 
myself beneath the shadow of a wide spreading chestnut on the top of one 
of the spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains, fanned by the exhilerating 
mountain breezes of this delightful climate, to give you a few thoughts con- 
nected with our trip. One can scarcely imagine the difference in tempera- 
ture between this point in our-native State and Hawkinsville—there being: 
only about four degrees difference in the latitude; yet, owing to the alti- 
tude, the difference is very marked. 

When we left home a week since, we could take no rest, day or night,” 
from the excessive heat. We found on our arrival at this mountain resort* 
that the use of several blankets was necessary every night to keep us com> 
fortable—the thermometer being about 66 here of nights; in fact it is so 
. cool that Dr. Taylor, in addition to blankets, appropriated sundry idee 
the other night to keep, as he said, from freezing, declaring that unle 
mine host would give him more blankets he would leave for home next days 

* * % * * * * * 


We found the hotel here crowded with guests, seeking these healing 
waters, which are strongly recommended for dyspepsia, rheumatism, dis- 
- eases of the kidneys, liver, etc. The waters give one a ravenous appetite, 
and from appearances at table to-day, at dinner, this neighborhood will 
. soon be ‘‘cleaned up”’ of all the ‘‘yaller-legged’’ chickens which are so “ : 

nae 2 
Editorial of Darien Gazette, May 3, 1884. 


plentiful in ‘‘these parts.”’ J.O. J 
We would cordially recommend Porter Springs to those of our friends 
in Darien who contemplate a trip off during the ‘‘ heated term.’’ It so far” 
surpasses other places in natural advantages that it is unquestionably one 
- of the grandest resorts in America. : 
According to the highest scientific authority (the SraristrcAL ATLAS, : 
published by the U. S. Government), there are but few places in the United ~ e 
States absolutely free from malaria, and Porter Springs happens to be one 
-of these favored logalities. People living within the malarial regions 
would do well to spend a month or two at Porter Springs each summer 
and get the malarial poison out of them. 
Two-thirds of the State of Georgia is less than three hundred feet above 
the level of the sea. Draw a line across the State from Augusta by Macon 
to Columbus and all south of that line, with but little exception, falls below 
the level of 300 feet, and is within the malarial belt. When afflicted with 
chronic diseases it is difficult for invalids to recover in the debilitating cli- 
mate within which the diseases have been bred. 


bd 


EIGHTEEN degrees cooler here than at sea level. See testimonials 
- of the press. 


Curss sciatica in every case—never fails! See testimonials of the 
press. - 


Porter Sprines region free from malaria. See Statistical Atlas. 
Batus FREE—TEN-PINS FREE—BILLIARDS FREE—ALL AMUSEMENTS 
Free ! 


e £ 
RuevuMatisM and neuralgia invariably cured! See testimonials of the 
press. 


“‘OcuLAR demonstrations’? worth more than certificates of analy. 
. See testimonials of the press. 


f / 


7. 


; 
4 
4 


D. H DOUGHERTY & CO. 


ATLANTA, GA. 


Ours is the Largest Dry Goods House in the State of Georgia, 
and we claim to do the biggest business of any House 
; _ South. We deal very extensively in 


FINE DRESS GOODS, 


Silkksand Novelties. 


OEF-Give us a trial, and our Low Price System will win your confidence. 


North Georgia /Agricultural College, 


DAHLONEGA, LUMPKIN COUNTY, GA, 


The Proprietors of Porter Springs desire to speak a word for one of the most 
useful and meritorious Institutions of Learning in the South, to-wt: the North 
1 


Georgia Agricultural College, at Dahlonega, The Faculty, uuder the lead of its 
President, Col. Lewis, is equai to any in the State; and there is no College in the 
State which receives closer attention from its Board of Trustees. Hon. William P. 
Price, (for several terms member of Congress) President of the Board, resides in 
Dahlouega and gives all of his time which may be required to the interests of the 
College. There are now about two hundred students in attendance from all parts 
of this State and from adjoining St«tes. There isa Male and a Female Department, 
both uuder most admirable management. There is a Military Department, under 
Command of an Officer regularly detailed from the U.S. Army. which insures dis- 
cipline not ouly in that Department, but throughout the Institution. The students 
are entirely free from those ruinous infiuences that surround Colleges in most 
Towns and Cities. Dablonega is an unassumipg country village of only a tew 
hundrei inhabitants; twenty-five miles from Gainesville, on the Air-Line R. R; 
with Physicians some of whom are éqttal to.the best to be found in any city; with 
Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches, and 4 moralséntiment. controling 
the community ; with a Prohibition majority so great it can never be overthrown ; 
with a climate snd with surroundings very much the same as at Porter Springs. 
and we reier to the within “ TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS,” as applicable to the 
climate of Dahlonega, only seven miles, air-line, from Porter Springs. Persons 
living in the Malarial portions of the South, and contemplating a removal toa 
section free from Malaria and free from all the annoying surroundings of some 
portions of the South, could not findabetter country than that around Porter 
§) rings and D:hlonega, and tuose having children to educate can not do better 
than to move to Dahlonega, where they can get the benefit of this College. Tuition 
is tree, and Board can be had at from ten to fifteen dollars per month, and those 
who “mess” can doso for half that. TheColiege isa State Institution. and receives 
an annua! appropriation Visitors to Porter Springs cin come the direct road via 
Bearden’s Bridge, or can come through Dahlonega, which is only five miles further, 
and see the Collegeand the Town. And during the summer Visitors to Porter 
Springs will be carried to Dahlonega in the morning and back in the evening tor 
one dollar the round trip. For all information concerning the College, adire-s the 
“Pr. sident of the Faculty,’’ or “President of the Board of Trustees,” N.G. A.tu.ie «, 
Dahlonega, Ga.; or, better still, come up and spend a few weeks at Porter Springs, 
and mike @ pers : ection of th - the . =e 


| 


ARLING? oN HOTEL,| 


i 


JOSEPH H. CLARK, = Proprietor. 


Aes gl md 
as x 


BOARD, per Day, $2.00; per Week, $10.00; per Month, 
$25.00 to $30.00, according to Rooms, Children 
and Servants half price. 
s 
me 
The Arlington has been very recently leased (for a term of 
years) and under its present management it promises that its 
table shall be as good as that of any Hotel in North Georgia, 
and to that end the best of cooks will be employed, without | 
regard to cost, and the table will be supplied with the best the 
market affords. 
_ The Building is of Brick, thifee stories, fronts on public 
square, Street Cars pass the door, 


POST OFFICE, TELEGRAPH OFFICE, 


BARBER SHOP, BILLIARD and POOL TABLES, 


All in the building. A spacious Areade, two stories high, gives 
@ magnificent Office and Halls for summer, which, with a broad 
piazza of two stories on  Beblic square, makes the Arlington a 
delightful summer resort. . 

Our splendid Dining Hall will be used for Dancing, and a | 
fine Orchestra will supply the music, 

The Hacks for Porter penne 3 will start from the Arlington, 
and all guests en route for that R sort will please so report, to the 
Proprietor on arriving, that he may aid them in going forward. 

The Arlington ‘will, be the Central’ Headquarters for all 
visitors to North Georgia. Come to the Arlington, and then 
select for yourself from the many good Resorts accessible from 
Gainesville. For special information, address 


JOSEPH H. CLARK, 


Proprietor of Arlington Hotel, 


~ 


— A NR eR a wg Sp EL go Red 


aed metas 


~~ 


